Alberta doubles down on its vaccine mandate for health-care workers

The Government of Alberta is standing tall with its vaccine mandate for health-care workers as two other provinces start to back down with theirs.

Both Ontario and Quebec are having second thoughts about health-care worker vaccine mandates as they’re concerned the remaining staff who haven’t been vaccinated, won’t get it, and that could lead to not having enough health-care workers to staff hospitals.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggests patient care could be jeopardized with a vaccine mandate aimed at health-care workers.

Ninety-four per cent of Alberta Health Services workers are fully vaccinated, 97 per cent of ICU staff, and 94 per cent of AHS physicians.

RELATED:

• AHS vaccine mandate widely accepted by members

• AHS extends mandatory vaccine deadline

• 61 health-care workers have resigned over vaccine policy: AHS

“It’s entirely reasonable for employers to want to maintain safe workplaces, and we do know that vaccination reduces the risk of infection and transmission, [and] it radically reduces the risk of severe outcomes,” Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said at a COVID-19 update on Wednesday.

“So, I think it is legitimately in the interest of employers to maximize vaccination rates within their workforces.”

He says it’s important for employers to keep staff and the public safe.

Noting, it’s even more important in certain occupations like health-care workers.

“It is not acceptable for people to be working with patients who may be more vulnerable to infection if they themselves are not vaccinated, and hence the vaccinate mandate,” Kenney added.

RELATED:

• Alberta COVID infections continue downswing, 14 more deaths reported

• Alberta expands eligibility for third COVID-19 vaccine dose

• Kenney denies claims he blamed Hinshaw for handling of fourth COVID wave

“We stand by the mandatory immunization policy and it will be fully implemented,” AHS President and CEO, Dr. Verna Yiu said in a press release earlier this month.

“We are extending the deadline to give all employees more time to submit their proof of vaccination and, if they haven’t yet, to get fully vaccinated. We’re providing more time so our workforce is as safe and robust as it can be.”

AHS workers have until November 30 to show proof of double vaccination.

“At the end of the day, it’s about protecting patients, continuing care residents, and anyone in our care, as well as looking out for our staff. We have a responsibility to do that,” Yiu added.