“We are united in our belief that immunization against COVID-19 is an individual and societal responsibility. With these policies, we are adding an important and powerful layer of protection to prevent COVID-19 infections in patients, families and staff”. He added, “Implementing vaccine mandate policies for our staff was not our first choice, nor was it an easy choice to make, but as health-care institutions dedicated to the health of children, we feel it is the right thing to do”.
Officials said that if people do not comply after completing a vaccination education program, all means would be explored to implement the policy efficiently. Officials added, “Like all the policies and procedures each organization has implemented throughout the pandemic, the vaccine mandate policies are grounded in the latest scientific evidence, with the safety of patients, families and staff at the forefront”.
According to SickKids, the vaccine policy was developed with input from the Ontario Medical Association, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s medical officer of health. Moore said, “We recognize that some organizations, where a vast majority of patients are not currently eligible to be vaccinated, will need to go beyond the minimum standard set by our directive. We support SickKids, CHEO, Holland Bloorview and others in taking these necessary measures to protect patient, family and staff safety.”
