Dear Staff and Volunteers,
Recently, the Ontario government shared some new announcements about COVID-19 vaccination in our province, and you may have some questions about how this applies to you as a Circle of Care employee or volunteer. I would like to assure you that our Senior Management team is meeting regularly to discuss these announcements and how they impact our organization.
COVID-19 Vaccination Remains Mandatory at Circle of Care
Circle of Care, as a home and community care organization serving frail seniors, has updated its vaccination and immunization policy. Our Board of Directors has endorsed a mandatory vaccination policy that states that all Circle of Care employees, volunteers, and students must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 OR a medical and/or religious attestation indicating the reason for exemption and the effective time period (i.e. permanent or time-limited).
Factors contributing to this decision include:
- The need to protect the health and safety of all our people and clients
- Evidence from the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, which has been very clear in their conclusion that vaccinations are an effective protection against the virus
- Alignment with our health system partners and our health funders where we have shared clients, in order to reduce the significant risk and possibility of harm, and,
- A requirement to ensure care and service continuity.
Employees who do not comply with the policy will be contacted by their Manager and/or Human Resources. Volunteers who are unable to comply with this policy will no longer be able to volunteer with Circle of Care.
Third Dose Boosters Available for Healthcare Workers Starting November 6.
On Wednesday November 3, the Ministry of Health announced that healthcare workers are eligible to receive a third dose booster of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Starting on Saturday, November 6 at 8:00 a.m., eligible individuals will be able to book their booster dose appointments through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or select pharmacies.
Booster doses are being encouraged for frontline healthcare workers; however, health officials are saying that anyone who chooses not to get a booster will still be considered fully immunized. While two doses continue to provide powerful and prolonged protection against COVID-19, for those on the frontlines, the announcement of booster doses is a welcomed message for added protection.
Flu Vaccine Campaign Fully Underway – Get Your Flu Shot!
Circle of Care is encouraging all employees and volunteers to get vaccinated against influenza. While COVID has dominated the headlines over the last two years, influenza is still a serious illness that can cause hospitalization and death, especially in elderly and/or vulnerable populations. Those eligible can receive both the COVID and flu vaccines at the same time, and many pharmacies are welcoming walk-ins for flu vaccination.
To conclude, I would like to reiterate that Circle of Care is committed to protecting the health and wellness of our clients, staff, and volunteers, and the policies that we have put in place guide us towards achieving that commitment.
Sincerely,
Carey Lucki
CEO, Circle of Care, and VP, Sinai Health