Doctors of BC supports provincial government actions, calls for mandatory vaccination in health care settings

Doctors of BC applauds the provincial government for its announcement of progressive measures to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in the province, including the reinstatement of the indoor mask mandate, and the introduction of the BC Vaccine Card requiring mandatory vaccinations in order to access discretionary indoor events. In taking these steps, government is recognizing the threat posed by highly transmissible COVID-19 variants and the mounting pressure on our health care system and to those who work in it. 

Doctors of BC also encourages the provincial government to take further steps to protect British Columbians, including:

• Mandatory vaccination of health care workers (anyone working in a health care setting).
• Mandatory vaccination for those working in education (K-12 and post-secondary) and child care.
• Putting into place a public health order for mandatory vaccination in the work place to protect employers who wish to take steps to ensure that all on-site workers are fully vaccinated. Doctors of BC will lead by example and is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated to work on-site. Those who are not vaccinated will be asked to continue to work remotely. 

“Taking these steps would add additional measures to protect patients, the public, and our health care workers at this critical juncture,” said Dr Matthew Chow, president of Doctors of BC. “As physicians, we have a duty of care to patients and the public. Extending mandatory vaccination to the work place – in the health care sector and beyond - is important to build the safest path forward. It is becoming increasingly clear that, in the present circumstances and with very few exceptions, full participation in society will require vaccination.”

Vaccines remain our most powerful tool to protect against COVID-19. However, a greater number of British Columbians need to be vaccinated in order to contain the spread of highly transmissible COVID-19 variants such as Delta. This is especially important for vulnerable groups such as young children who are too young to be vaccinated, and people who are immunocompromised. The need for mandatory measures can be reevaluated as the impact of the virus on our communities changes over time. We also encourage the province, businesses, and employers to consider the needs of British Columbians who face systemic barriers, such as lack of internet access or smartphone devices, and groups that have historically faced discrimination, in their plans. 

For more on this, read Dr Matthew Chow’s latest President’s Blog.

Members – have questions or comments, e-mail us at View Email Addresscommunications@doctorsofbc.ca

For media interviews with Doctors of BC president Dr Matthew Chow, please contact Sharon Shore at 604-638-2832 or View Email Addresssshore@doctorsofbc.ca