Action Alert: Premier, mandate vaccinations for all health-care and education workers

Premier Doug Ford announced on Nov. 3 that he will not mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for health-care workers, leaving health-care organizations to do even more heavy lifting in the midst of this deadly pandemic. He also leaves Ontarians at risk of infection from health-care providers and health-care providers at risk of infection from each other. His announcement did not even address the education sector.

Twenty-two months into this deadly pandemic and the premier doesn’t get it. The number of cases is again creeping up.

Join us! Tell Premier Ford he must mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for health-care and education workers.

RNAO is deeply disappointed by Ford’s decision to not move forward with mandating vaccinations for all health-care and education workers. The decision is a disgrace and shows a lack of courage to do what’s right for Ontario’s patients, kids and workers. The minister of long-term care, Rod Phillips, announced on Oct. 1 that vaccination for all nursing home staff would be required by Nov. 15. The premier supported this call, as did RNAO. He is also aware that some large hospitals in Toronto, Windsor and Ottawa are already moving ahead with dismissal of those who choose to remain unvaccinated. Premier Ford supports this position, and yet will not mandate it across the province.

Mandatory vaccination directives have increased the uptake of vaccination in the general public and it is clear that policies, firm deadlines, mandatory education and easy access to COVID-19 vaccinations work to increase vaccination rates.

Join us! Tell Premier Ford that he must mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all health-care and education workers.