Grey Bruce’s Medical Officer of Health is recommending COVID-19 workplace vaccination policies.
A release from the health unit says Dr. Ian Arra advises a workplace vaccination policy will identify the organizational expectations with regards to COVID-19 immunization of employees.
He notes, these policies should explain their purpose, specific actions workers must take regarding providing proof of vaccination status or a medical exemption, and timelines.
Recommendations and templates on developing a workplace vaccination policy are posted on the
Grey Bruce Health Unit webpage.
Arra says in a statement, “We require a community-wide response against COVID-19. Our efforts would go further if every sector, including employers, are committed to mitigating the 4th wave.”
He adds, “A workplace vaccine policy protect the employer, protects the employees and protects the public. It is one more tool we can use to safeguard our community and our health system capacity. Getting fully vaccinated for COVID-19 is the best defense against the virus, including the Delta variant.”
Public Health says employers can also play a critical role in promoting the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine by:
– providing vaccine information from credible sources;
– providing translated resources;
– supporting vaccine champions to initiate conversations with their peers;
– providing paid leave to get vaccinated;
– reminding workers that they are legally entitled to up to three paid sick days if they have side effects from the vaccine; and
– providing transportation support to get vaccinated.
The health Unit notes, all residents who have been vaccinated in Ontario, or who have provided proof of their vaccination to their local public health unit, are able to access proof of their vaccination through the Provincial vaccination system link.