Canadian doctors, nurses groups call for mandatory vaccination for health-care workers

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Two major groups representing physicians and nurses in Canada have joined the call to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all health-care workers.

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) cite mounting concerns over COVID-19 variants and a levelling-off of vaccination rates across the country.

“As health providers, we have a fundamental duty of care towards our patients and the public. There is significant evidence that vaccines are safe and effective, and as health professionals who are leading the vaccination campaigns, it is the right call and an appropriate step,” Dr. Ann Collins, CMA president, says in a statement.

In the release, Tim Guest, CNA president, adds health-workers need to maintain the trend of being on the front lines for the pandemic and get vaccinated to protect and “take all the necessary steps to protect our patients and, of course, protect each other.”

Related Articles: 

Apart from mandatory vaccination, CMA and CNA are calling on all levels of government and employers “to implement strategies that decrease barriers to accessing vaccines and improve vaccine acceptance.”

“While vaccines are readily available across Canada, we recognize that the history of inequity within the health-care system impacts trust. Therefore, governments and employers must continue to support and address vaccine hesitancy and system barriers to achieving the highest rate of vaccination among the public and health workforce,” the statement reads.

Other countries like France and Greece have already ordered their health workers to get vaccinated, but the idea has seen some resistance in Canada — notably from Ontario Premier Doug Ford. CNA and CMA say this is the right call and an appropriate step.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today