.JPG;w=960)
Premier Doug Ford says, while COVID-19 vaccinations will not be made mandatory for employees of long-term care and retirement facilities, he is asking workers in the field to get them.
"Please, I beg you, please get vaccinated," said Ford while in North Bay, Monday.
While Ford's response came in regards to a question about a COVID-19 outbreak in a nursing home in Burlington, Ont., his message was directed to all employees caring for seniors and residents in long-term care settings.
"We need to see more PSWs get vaccinated, we really do," said Ford. "They're the best people in the world. I know there is some hesitancy but we can't risk it with our seniors right now."
Ford advised the virus continues to be brought in by people who live outside the homes.
"Folks, if you work at long-term care — we haven't made it mandatory — and I don't believe in forcing vaccines on everyone but think of the people you're taking care of, think of their families, think of your families."
The Ministry of Long-Term Care required facilities to have their COVID-19 staff immunization policies fully implemented by July 1.
Ontario helped homes establish COVID-19 staff immunization policies "by identifying resources they can use or build on to inform workers about the benefits of vaccination," including a "publicly available, free COVID-19 Vaccine Promotion Toolkit and new provisions that allow staff to use paid sick leave to get vaccinated or recover from symptoms resulting from vaccination."
Samantha Peck, Executive Director, Family Councils Ontario said the staff vaccination policy "helps put at ease and shows respect for the families of Ontario's long-term care home residents who have been concerned about unvaccinated staff providing care to their loved ones and potentially putting them at risk for COVID-19 infection."
Under the immunization policies now in place at all long-term care homes in the province, each staff member must do one of the following:
- Provide proof of vaccination of each dose;
- Provide a documented medical reason for not being vaccinated; or
- Participate in an educational program about the benefits of vaccination and the risks of not being vaccinated.
The Ministry of Long-Term Care advises, as of Tuesday, 92 per cent of long-term care home staff have received at least their first dose, with approximately 86 per cent having received two doses.
"The vast majority of long-term care staff have embraced vaccination to protect their residents. For those without medical issues who are still reluctant, a mandatory education program will be helpful to correct misinformation and alleviate their concerns," according to the Ontario Long Term Care Association.
