Doctors Nova Scotia calls for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for health-care workers

Today, Doctors Nova Scotia endorsed the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) call for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for health-care workers. This decision is in line with the provincial government’s Sept. 29 announcement mandating COVID-19 vaccination for health-care workers.

“Doctors – and all others who work in a health-care setting – have an obligation to keep our patients safe and set an example for the public, showing that vaccines are safe and effective,” said Dr. Heather Johnson, president of Doctors Nova Scotia.

Before a new physician can begin practice, they must ensure their immunization record is up to date. Physicians have long been strong proponents of vaccines and were among the first in the province to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The CMA’s call for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for health-care workers states that it should be mandatory for all Canadian health-care workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Some patients cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In some cases the vaccine is less effective for people with underlying health conditions. These are the patients we must protect in our day-to-day work,” said Dr. Johnson.

The majority of eligible Nova Scotians have received two doses of the vaccine; however, vaccine hesitancy continues to abound among a small percentage of the public and health-care workers.

“We urge all Nova Scotians to get their COVID-19 vaccinations, to protect themselves, their loved ones and their neighbours,” said Dr. Johnson.

Physician representatives on the association’s Policy and Health Issues Committee reviewed the decision and made the recommendation to Doctors Nova Scotia’s Board of Directors, which voted to endorse the recommendation.