As vaccinations increase across the province, you may be asked questions by your clients about your vaccine status. Below, we have listed a few of the most common questions you may have about whether or not you need to disclose your vaccine status:
What should I say to a client/caregiver who asks me if I have received the COVID vaccine?
“My vaccination status is my Personal Health Information, so it’s confidential. But, my vaccine status does not prevent me from safely providing your care. No matter what my vaccination status, it is Circle of Care’s policy that I wear appropriate PPE with every one of my clients to keep everyone safe.”
If I choose not to get the COVID vaccine, do I need to tell client/caregiver about my choice?
No, you do not need to provide an explanation to clients or caregivers about your vaccination status.
Can a client/caregiver find out information about my vaccine status through my employer or any other sources?
No, clients or caregivers do not have access to your vaccination status or any other Personal Health Information (PHI). Circle of Care cannot and does not share your PHI without your consent, nor does Circle of Care share your PHI with clients or caregivers. Your PHI is also not accessible through any other sources. All healthcare workers should be mindful and thoughtful about the information they share with clients/caregivers/coworkers to avoid breeching their own privacy and confidentiality.