OMA, RNAO call for mandatory vaccinations of all healthcare workers
Posted July 16, 2021 1:35 pm.
Last Updated July 16, 2021 4:24 pm.
Two professional groups representing health-care workers in Ontario are calling for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for the sector.
The Ontario Medical Association, which represents Ontario’s 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, says frontline workers “should be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves, their patients and the community.”
“Vaccines are the best way to control the spread of COVID-19, and remain an essential component in protecting our patients, families and friends,” said Dr. Adam Kassam, president of the OMA.
“As a front-line doctor who is fully vaccinated, I am proud to stand with my physician colleagues who continue to advocate for full vaccination of all those eligible.”
The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario said Ford is on the wrong side of science and called for mandatory shots.
“Nurses stand with science and for patients,” the group said on Twitter. “This is why we call for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination.”
On Thursday, Premier Doug Ford said his government has no plans to make immunization against COVID-19 mandatory for any industry ahead of the province’s move to Step 3.
“I think it’s our constitutional right to take it or not take it,” Ford said of mandatory vaccines.
“I’ve been out here for months, begging, pleading (for) everyone to get it, but no one should be forced to do anything.”
The OMA says a recent survey of the province’s many physicians found that 98 per cent of respondents have already received both doses of a COVID vaccination.
Echoing the call to action from Ontario’s top doctor, the OMA is urging everyone to get their second dose as quickly as possible; especially youths aged 12-17 whose vaccination rates have proven to be lower.
“The OMA remains concerned about the Delta variant of the virus, which is more contagious and can cause more serious illness,” they wrote.
On Wednesday, Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said that while indicators remain promising in the province, he “absolutely expects a rise in COVID activity in September.”
On the subject of another lockdown, the Premier said “nothing is 100 per cent.”
Ontario administered 168,616 vaccine doses on Thursday. The province says 20,426 were first doses while 148,190 were second shots.
Over 10.2-million Ontarians now have at least one dose or 69.4 per cent of the total population and 79.8 per cent of adults 18 plus.
