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EOHU Strongly Recommends COVID-19 Vaccination Policies for Workplaces; Releases Guidelines to Help Employers Develop Policies

2021-09-17

With the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rise, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is strongly recommending that all local employers put workplace vaccination policies in place to protect their workers and the public. To support employers in adopting this recommendation, the EOHU has released guidelines for developing and implementing COVID-19 vaccination policies: Recommendations for Workplace COVID-19 Vaccination Policies: Information for Employers. 

Businesses and organizations have a responsibility to maintain a safe work environment for workers and volunteers, as well as to protect their clients. This is especially important as the region is experiencing an increase of COVID-19 cases driven by the more transmissible and dangerous Delta variant. Requiring proof of vaccination helps protect workers from the risks of COVID-19 and encourages everyone to get their shot, while also supporting businesses to keep customers safe, stay open and minimize disruptions.

The new guidelines provide employers with key considerations for the development and implementation of their own workplace vaccination policies. Workplace vaccination policies should be in writing and adhere to any applicable occupational health safety laws, privacy laws, human rights laws, employment standards legislation, and or collective agreements. High-risk settings that are mandated by the Government of Ontario to have workplace vaccination policies in place must adhere to provincial requirements.

To help support access to vaccination, the EOHU continues to invite workplaces, community organizations, places of worship and other groups to host onsite vaccination clinics in coordination with the health unit. Please visit Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Requests at www.EOHU.ca/vaccines for details on hosting an onsite pop-up clinic.

For more information on COVID-19, including guidance for community partners and businesses, vaccination information, the latest local updates, and more, visit www.EOHU.ca/coronavirus.