COVID-19 Immunization and Management policies

In accordance with provincial direction, Joseph Brant Hospital established COVID-19 Immunization and Management policies in September that apply to everyone who works at and with the hospital.  

Like many other hospitals in Ontario including those in our region, we recognize the importance of mandatory vaccination of health care workers as a critical tool in protecting patients, physicians, staff and volunteers safety, as well as avoiding disruption to vital hospital services and programs.

For these reasons, we made it a requirement under our policy that all JBH employees, credentialed staff (such as physicians), contracted staff, learners and volunteers are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 1, unless they have a medical or Human Rights code exemption.

The hospital COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination policies for JBH Staff and Credentialed Staff are available below.

All of our actions – including mandatory COVID-19 vaccination – are guided by our mission to provide quality patient care through our values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. It is what our community expects and what we strive for every day.

COVID-19 Immunization and Management Policy - Staff and Credentialed Staff

1.0  Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline Joseph Brant Hospital’s (JBH) approach to  mandatory COVID-19 vaccine administration and the requirements for all staff and credentialed staff, to be fully vaccinated by no later than November 01, 2021.  Mandatory participation in COVID-19 vaccination programs reduces the transmission of COVID-19 and decreases the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks.

2.0  Scope

That provincial direction (Chief Medical Officer of Health [CMOH] Directive #6) is followed for all staff and credentialed staff who are vaccinated or designated as unvaccinated.

3.0  Policy

3.1  JBH is committed to maintaining a safe work environment to protect all JBH staff and credentialed staff from the risk of infection from, and complications associated with, COVID-19. Every effort shall be taken to reduce the risk of acquiring and/or transmitting vaccine-preventable diseases.

3.2  Vaccination is of critical importance in preventing or mitigating, the risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19 infection and its related complications.

3.3  JBH is committed to a workplace whereby all of its staff and credentialed staff are fully vaccinated.

3.4  JBH commits to promote the vaccination, informed decision-making, and support through a rational approach to achieve full compliance amongst our staff and credentialed staff.

3.5  Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination amongst our staff and credentialed staff is required by November 01, 2021.

3.6  Staff and credentialed staff not in compliance with proof of full vaccination status as outlined in Section 5 of this policy, on or before November 01, 2021, are subject to the compliance provisions outlined under Section 7 of this policy.

3.7  JBH will comply with the mandatory direction outlined in CMOH Directive #6.

4.0  Responsibilities

4.1  JBH President and CEO shall ensure that the COVID-19 Immunization and Management policy is developed and implemented through the Senior Leadership Team, in alignment with CMOH Directive #6.

4.2  The Senior Leadership Team will delegate responsibility to implement and monitor this policy as directed.

4.3  Employee Health Services (EHS):

4.3.1  Shall be prepared to appropriately educate employees regarding specific immunizations, vaccine schedules, risks/benefits, adverse events, and post-immunization care;

4.3.2  Shall be competent and prepared to provide emergency care to employees in the rare case of an adverse event related to immunizations;

4.3.3  Maintain up to date immunization records for individuals encompassed by this Policy.

4.3.4  Manage and follow up of the exposure or acute illness related to COVID-19 in accordance with the Ministry of Health (MOH) management of cases and contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario.

4.3.5  Managers will receive compliance reports for follow-up. Compliance reports will verify that the COVID-19 program has been completed, however, these reports will not disclose confidential health information.

4.3.6  Will collaborate with the JBH Medical Affairs office to verify compliance.

4.4  All JBH Staff and Credentialed Staff:

4.4.1  Are required to comply with this policy.

5.0  Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Program

It is important to protect the health and well-being of JBH’s patients, employees, credentialed staff, learners and volunteers where there is evidence of a risk that can be mitigated. The CMOH has directed JBH to develop, implement, and ensure compliance with a COVID-19 vaccination policy.

5.1  To facilitate this policy, all JBH staff and credentialed staff will be required to provide one of the following to the EHS:

5.1.1 Proof of COVID-19 vaccine administration as per the following requirements:

5.1.1.1 If the individual has only received the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccination series approved by the Public Health Ontario (PHO), proof that the first dose has been administered and, proof of appointment to receive the second dose, and proof of administration of the second dose to the EHS; or

5.1.1.2 Proof of all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, including any boosters as may be approved by the Public Health Ontario to the EHS.

5.1.2  Written proof of a medical reason, provided by either a physician or nurse practitioner, extended class, that sets out:

5.1.2.1  That the person cannot be safely vaccinated against COVID-19 as defined by the criteria outlined by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and the Chief Medical Officer of Health; and

5.1.2.2 The effective time-period for the medical reason (i.e. permanent or time limited).

5.1.3  Written request for an exemption/ accommodation based upon a ground protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The individual can submit a written explanation of the ground and any supporting documentation to determine a potential exemption from the vaccination requirement to Human Resources Inquiries at HR@josephbranthospital.ca

5.2 JBH staff and credentialed staff who elect not to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination per 5.1.1.1 above, and rely 5.1.2 are required to:

5.2.1 Complete the mandatory COVID-19 educational programming prepared by JBH.

5.2.2  Perform rapid antigen testing on a regular basis and as requested. The frequency of the rapid antigen testing will be solely determined by the Hospital and will be in alignment with provincial guidance. Current guidance is that testing occur twice per week (every Monday & Thursday). JBH staff and credentialed staff must provide verification of negative test results to EHS via the JBH COVID-19 Program APP by no later than 11am every Monday & Thursday regardless of work schedule. The tests must not be used by anyone with symptoms or who has had a known exposure to COVID-19. Under the direction of EHS, symptomatic and exposed individuals must follow current screening guidelines and be tested in the JBH assessment centre with a Polymerase Chair Reaction (PCR) test.

5.3 To be considered fully immunized, the participating individual must be >14 days post receipt of their second dose, and be up-to-date with any additional boosters as directed by Public Health Ontario.  Documentation of vaccine status shall be kept in the confidential health record maintained by EHS.

5.4 Should an immunization “passport” or “certificate program” be introduced in the Province of Ontario, JBH will require proof of such passport or certificate program. 

6.0  COVID-19 Educational Programming

6.1  As required under Directive 6, COVID-19 approved educational programming does address the following learning components:

6.1.1     How COVID-19 vaccines work;

6.1.2     Vaccine safety related to the development of the COVID-19 vaccines;

6.1.3     Benefits of vaccination against COVID-19

6.1.4     Risks of not being vaccinated against COVID-19; and

6.1.5     Possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccination.

7.0  Policy Non-compliance

In accordance with JBH policies, a staff members’ failure to comply with this policy, and/or misrepresent facts under the JBH COVID-19 vaccine program, may result in an individual being placed on an unpaid leave of absence, and/or discipline up to and including termination of employment.

Credentialed staff members who do not comply with this policy and/or misrepresent facts under the JBH COVID-19 Program, will be required to attend before the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) to provide an explanation for their non-compliance, and will not be permitted to exercise their privileges at JBH while non-compliant. 

8.0  Definitions

Appropriate Liaison: for employees, the appropriate liaison is EHS, for credentialed staff it is Medical Affairs. 

Credentialed Staff: includes physicians, dentists, midwives and any other privileged professional under the Public Hospitals Act, 1990.

Confirmed Case: a person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19: COVID-19 is an acute respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It may be characterized by fever, cough, shortness of breath, and several other symptoms. Asymptomatic infection is also possible. The risk of severe disease increases with age but is not limited to the elderly and is elevated in those with underlying medical conditions.

Designated Unvaccinated: an individual (including all JBH employees, physicians, learners, and volunteers) who has not received any doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada OR has not yet submitted their record of vaccination to the employee health services department, or medical affairs.

Fully Vaccinated: an individual who is ≥ 14 days out from receiving two doses and/or booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada and/or Public Health Ontario.

Health Care Worker (HCW): includes JBH employees.  

Immunization: process of protecting against vaccine preventable diseases by administration of an antigen. This induces an immune response to prevent infection from that infectious disease.

Partially Vaccinated: an individual who has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada OR is < 14 days out from receiving their second dose.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): items worn to provide a barrier to help prevent potential exposure to infectious disease. These items can include gloves, gowns, surgical masks, visor, face shields, goggles, respirators, etc. Infection Prevention and Control [IPAC] provides organizational direction concerning required PPE, in alignment with provincial directives.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test: a diagnostic test that detects COVID-19.

Designated Unvaccinated: an individual (including all JBH employees, physicians, learners, and volunteers) who has not received any doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada OR has not yet submitted their record of vaccination to the employee health services department, or medical affairs.

9.0  Confidentiality Statement

JBH is required, pursuant to CMOH Directive #6 for Public Hospitals within the meaning of the Public Hospitals Act, 1990 to report statistical information to the CMOH or the MOH. No identifying information will be provided to the MOH in relation to this policy; all statistical information will be provided in aggregate form.

10.0  Appendices

N/A

11.0  References

1.1      CMOH Directive #6

1.2      MOH Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario

COVID-19 Immunization and Management Policy - Contractor

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline Joseph Brant Hospital’s (JBH) approach to mandatory COVID-19 vaccine administration and the requirements for third party vendors, service providers, contractors, sub-contractors and community partners to be fully vaccinated by no later than November 01, 2021. Mandatory participation in COVID19 vaccination programs reduces the transmission of COVID-19 and decreases the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks.

2.0 Scope

That provincial direction (Chief Medical Officer of Health [CMOH] Directive #6) is followed for all third party vendors, service providers, contractors, sub-contractors or community partners who are vaccinated or designated as unvaccinated.

3.0 Policy

3.1 JBH is committed to maintaining a safe work environment to protect all third party vendors and service providers, contractors, sub-contractors or community partners from the risk of infection from, and complications associated with, COVID-19. Every effort shall be taken to reduce the risk of acquiring and/or transmitting vaccine preventable diseases.

3.2 Vaccination is of critical importance in preventing or mitigating, the risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19 infection and its related complications.

3.3 JBH is committed to support a workplace whereby all of its third party vendors, service providers, contractors, sub-contractors or community partners will ensure that those they schedule to work at JBH are fully vaccinated.

3.4 JBH expects that third party vendors, service providers, contractors, sub-contractors or community partners will promote the vaccination and informed decision-making, and support a rational approach to achieve full compliance with JBH Policy.

3.5 Effective September 07, 2021, JBH expects all third party vendors, service providers, contractors , sub-contractors or community partners and their representatives to be vaccinated and/or in the process of obtaining fully vaccinated status in accordance with Public Health Ontario. The third party vendor, service provider, contractor or sub-contractor will be expected to attest to the fully vaccinated status of their representatives by November 01, 2021.

3.6 The third party vendor, service provider, contractor or sub-contractor not in compliance with proof of full vaccination status as outlined in Section 5 of this policy,  on or before November 01, 2021, are subject to the compliance provisions outlined under Section 7 of this policy.

3.7 Third party vendors, service providers, contractors or sub-contractors who cannot provide an attestation that those assigned to JBH are fully vaccinated, engaged in active testing, or have an approved exemption are expected to perform COVID-19 testing through their organization in accordance with Directive #6 and JBH standard.

3.8 JBH will comply with the mandatory direction outlined in Chief Medical Officer of Health [CMOH] Directive #6.

4.0 Responsibilities

4.1 JBH President and CEO shall ensure that the COVID-19 Immunization and Management policy is developed and implemented through the Senior Leadership Team, in alignment with CMOH Directive #6.

4.2 The third party vendor, service provider, contractor, sub-contractor or community partner will be responsible to implement and monitor this policy as directed by JBH and attest to its compliance.

4.3 JBH will:

4.3.1 Maintain record of attestations provided by vendor.

4.3.2 Manage and follow up of the exposure or acute illness related to COVID19 in accordance with the Ministry of Health (MOH) management of cases and contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario.

4.4 All JBH Third party vendors, service providers, contractors, sub-contractors and community partners

4.4.1 Are required to comply with this policy.

5.0 Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Program

It is important to protect the health and well-being of JBH’s patients, employees, credentialed staff, learners, volunteers and third party vendors where there is evidence of a risk that can be mitigated. The CMOH has directed JBH to develop, implement and ensure compliance with a COVID-19 vaccination policy.

5.1 To facilitate this policy the third party vendor, service provider, contractor, subcontractor or community partner will be required to attest to JBH:

5.1.1 That representatives are fully vaccinated, including any boosters against COVID-19 as may be approved by the Public Health Ontario.

5.1.2 JBH will be consulted in the event a third party vendor, service provider, contractor, sub-contractor or community partner is seeking an accommodation to work on the JBH premises.

5.1.3 The tested status of any third party vendor, service provider, contractor, sub-contractor or community partner representative is in the process of full vaccination.

5.1.4 Any third party vendor that declines COVID-19 vaccination. are subject to the compliance provisions outlined under Section 7 of this policy.

5.2 To be considered fully immunized, the participating individual must be >14 days post receipt of their second dose, and be up-to-date with any additional boosters as directed by Public Health Ontario.

5.3 Evidence of vaccine status is not required to be submitted to JBH, as the expectation is that the third party vendor, service provider, contractor, sub-contractor or community partner will maintain the record and provide an attestation to JBH.

5.4 Should an immunization “passport” or “certificate program” be introduced in the Province of Ontario it is understood that JBH will require proof of such passport or certificate program.

6.0 COVID-19 Educational Programming

6.1 If any organization expresses interest in receiving a copy of the JBH learning module it will be provided. The learning module is aligned to Directive #6.

7.0 Policy Non-compliance

In accordance with this JBH policy, third party vendors, service providers, contractors, sub-contractors or community partners that are not able to comply with this policy may result in these vendors becoming inactive and/or released from opportunities at JBH.

8.0 Definitions

Confirmed Case: a person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19: COVID-19 is an acute respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It may be characterized by fever, cough, shortness of breath, and several other symptoms. Asymptomatic infection is also possible. The risk of severe disease increases with age but is not limited to the elderly and is elevated in those with underlying medical conditions.

Fully Vaccinated: an individual who is ≥ 14 days out from receiving two doses and/or booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada and/or Public Health Ontario.

Immunization: process of protecting against vaccine preventable diseases by administration of an antigen. This induces an immune response to prevent infection from that infectious disease.

Partially Vaccinated: an individual who has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada OR is < 14 days out from receiving their second dose.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): items worn to provide a barrier to help prevent potential exposure to infectious disease. These items can include gloves, gowns, surgical masks, visor, face shields, goggles, respirators, etc. Infection Prevention and Control [IPAC] provides organizational direction concerning required PPE, in alignment with provincial directives.

Third party “Vendors": includes Vendors, Service Providers, Contractors and their sub-contractors and representatives.

Designated Unvaccinated: An individual, who has not received any doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada or Public Health Ontario. 

9.0 Confidentiality Statement

JBH is required, pursuant to CMOH Directive #6 for Public Hospitals within the meaning of the Public Hospitals Act, 1990 to report statistical information to the CMOH or the MOH. No identifying information will be provided to the MOH in relation to this policy; all statistical information will be provided in aggregate form.

10.0 Appendices

N/A

11.0 References

1.1 CMOH Directive #6

1.2 MOH Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario

 

 

COVID-19 Immunization and Management Policy - Learners

 1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline Joseph Brant Hospital’s (JBH) approach to mandatory COVID-19 vaccine administration and the requirements for all learners to be fully vaccinated by no later than November 01, 2021. Mandatory participation in COVID19 vaccination programs reduces the transmission of COVID-19 and decreases the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks.

2.0 Scope

That provincial direction (Chief Medical Officer of Health [CMOH] Directive #6) is followed for all learners who are vaccinated or designated as unvaccinated.

3.0 Policy

3.1 JBH is committed to maintaining a safe work environment to protect all learners from the risk of infection from, and complications associated with, COVID-19. Every effort shall be taken to reduce the risk of acquiring and/or transmitting vaccine-preventable diseases.

3.2 Vaccination is of critical importance in preventing or mitigation, the risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19 infection and its related complications.

3.3 JBH is committed to support a workplace whereby all learning institutions will ensure that those with placements at JBH are fully vaccinated.

3.4 JBH expects that the learning institution will promote the vaccination, informed decision-making, and support learners through a rational approach to achieve full compliance with JBH policy.

3.5 Effective September 07, 2021, JBH expects all learners to be vaccinated and/or in the process of obtaining fully vaccinated status in accordance with Public Health of Ontario. The learning institution will be expected to attest to the fully vaccinated status of the learners by November 01, 2021.

3.6 Learners and learning institutions not in compliance with proof of full vaccination status as outlined in Section 5 of this policy, on or before November 01, 2021, are subject to the compliance provisions outlined under Section 7 of this policy.

3.7 Learning institutions that cannot provide an attestation that those assigned to JBH are fully vaccinated, engaged in active testing, or have an approved exemption are expected to perform COVID-19 testing through their organization in accordance with Directive #6 and JBH standard.

3.8 JBH will comply with the mandatory direction outlined in Chief Medical Officer of Health [CMOH] Directive #6. 

4.0 Responsibilities

4.1 JBH President and CEO shall ensure that the COVID-19 Immunization and Management policy is developed and implemented through the Senior Leadership Team, in alignment with CMOH Directive #6.

4.2 The learning institution will be responsible to implement and monitor this policy as directed by JBH and attest to its compliance. The institution will be responsible to notify JBH in a timely fashion when a learner tests positive, indeterminate or is noncompliant.

4.3 JBH will:

4.3.1 Maintain record of attestations provided by learning institutions.

4.3.2 Manage and follow up of the exposure or acute illness related to COVID19 in accordance with the Ministry of Health (MOH) management of cases and contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario.

4.4 All JBH learners:

4.4.1 Are required to comply with this policy.

5.0 Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Program

It is important to protect the health and well-being of JBH’s patients, employees, credentialed staff, learners and volunteers where there is evidence of a risk that can be mitigated. The CMOH has directed JBH to develop, implement and ensure compliance with a COVID-19 vaccination policy.

5.1 To facilitate this policy the learning institution will be required to attest to JBH:

5.1.1 That learners are fully vaccinated, including any boosters against COVID19 as may be approved by the Public Health Ontario.

5.1.2 JBH will be consulted by the learning institution in the event a learner is seeking an accommodation during their learning placement.

5.1.3 The tested status of any learners in the process of full vaccination.

5.1.4 Any learners that decline COVID-19 vaccination are subject to the compliance provisions outlined under Section 7 of this policy.

5.2 To be considered fully immunized, the participating individual must be >14 days post receipt of their second dose, and be up-to-date with any additional boosters as directed by Public Health Ontario.

5.3 Evidence of vaccine and testing status, as applicable, is not required to be submitted to JBH, as the expectation is that the learning institution will maintain the record and provide an attestation to JBH.

5.4 Should an immunization “passport” or “certificate program” be introduced in the Province of Ontario, JBH will require proof of such passport or certificate program.

6.0 COVID-19 Educational Programming

6.1 If the learning institution expresses interest in receiving a copy of the JBH learning module it will be provided. The learning module is aligned to Directive 6.

7.0 Policy Non-compliance

In accordance with this JBH policy, learners and learning institutions that are not able to comply with this policy will result in learners becoming inactive and/or released from learning opportunities at JBH.

8.0 Definitions

Confirmed Case: a person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19: COVID-19 is an acute respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It may be characterized by fever, cough, shortness of breath, and several other symptoms. Asymptomatic infection is also possible. The risk of severe disease increases with age but is not limited to the elderly and is elevated in those with underlying medical conditions.

Fully Vaccinated: an individual who is ≥ 14 days out from receiving two doses and/or booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada and/or Public Health Ontario.

Immunization: process of protecting against vaccine preventable diseases by administration of an antigen. This induces an immune response to prevent infection from that infectious disease. Learning institution: academic institutions who have a formal partnership with JBH through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Learners: anyone who is enrolled in an academic program of higher education learning a subject or skill within the hospital setting.

Partially Vaccinated: an individual who has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada OR is < 14 days out from receiving their second dose.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): items worn to provide a barrier to help prevent potential exposure to infectious disease. These items can include gloves, gowns, surgical masks, visor, face shields, goggles, respirators, etc. Infection Prevention and Control [IPAC] provides organizational direction concerning required PPE, in alignment with provincial directives. Designated

Unvaccinated: An individual, who has not received any doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada or has not yet submitted their record of vaccination to the employee health services department, or medical affairs.

9.0 Confidentiality Statement

JBH is required, pursuant to CMOH Directive #6 for Public Hospitals within the meaning of the Public Hospitals Act, 1990 to report statistical information to the CMOH or the MOH. No identifying information will be provided to the MOH in relation to this policy; all statistical information will be provided in aggregate form.

10.0 Appendices N/A

11.0 References

1.1 CMOH Directive #6

1.2 MOH Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario

COVID-19 Immunization and Management Policy - Volunteers

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline Joseph Brant Hospital’s (JBH) approach to mandatory COVID-19 vaccine administration and the requirements for all volunteers, including Board of Directors and other volunteer committee members, to be fully vaccinated by no later than November 01, 2021. Mandatory participation in COVID-19 vaccination programs reduces the transmission of COVID-19 and decreases the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks.

2.0 Scope

That provincial direction (Chief Medical Officer of Health [CMOH] Directive #6) is followed for all volunteers who are vaccinated or designated as unvaccinated. 3.0 Policy

3.1 JBH is committed to maintaining a safe work environment to protect all volunteers from the risk of infection from, and complications associated with, COVID-19. Every effort shall be taken to reduce the risk of acquiring and/or transmitting vaccine preventable diseases.

3.2 Vaccination is recognized as the cornerstone for preventing, or decreasing, the effects of COVID-19 for those at high risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19 infection and related complications.

3.3 JBH is committed to support a workplace whereby all of its active volunteers are fully vaccinated.

3.4 JBH commits to promote the vaccination, informed decision making and support through a rational approach to achieve full compliance amongst our active volunteers.

3.5 Mandatory vaccination amongst our active and on-site volunteers is effective September 07, 2021.

3.6 Volunteers not in compliance with proof of full vaccination status as outlined in Section 5 of this policy, on or before November 01, 2021, are subject to the compliance provisions outlined under Section 7 of this policy.

3.7 JBH will comply with the mandatory Directive #6 outlined by the CMOH.

4.0 Responsibilities

4.1 JBH President and CEO shall ensure that the COVID-19 Immunization and Management policy is developed and implemented through the Senior Leadership Team, in alignment with CMOH Directive #6.

4.2 The Senior Leadership Team will delegate responsibility to implement and monitor this policy as directed. 

4.3 Leadership, with the support of Employee Health Services (EHS) will:

4.3.1 By way of email, provide access to COVID-19 educational material that addresses immunizations, vaccine schedules, risks/benefits, adverse events, and post-immunization care;

4.3.2 Maintain up to date immunization records for volunteers.

4.3.3 Manage and follow up of the exposure or acute illness related to COVID19 in accordance with the Ministry of Health (MOH) management of cases and contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario.

4.4 All JBH Volunteers:

4.4.1 Are required to comply with this policy.

5.0 Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Program

It is important to protect the health and well-being of JBH’s patients, employees, credentialed staff, learners and volunteers where there is evidence of a risk that can be mitigated. The CMOH has directed JBH to develop, implement and ensure compliance with a COVID-19 vaccination policy.

5.1 To facilitate this policy, all volunteers will be required to provide one of the following:

5.1.1 Proof of COVID-19 vaccine administration as per the following requirements.

5.1.1.1 Proof of all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, including any boosters as may be approved by the Public Health Ontario.

5.2 To be considered fully immunized, the participating individual must be >14 days past receipt of their second dose, and be up-to-date with any additional boosters as directed by Public Health Ontario. Documentation of vaccine status shall be kept in the individuals’ confidential file.

5.3 Should an immunization “passport” or “certificate program” be introduced in the Province of Ontario, JBH will require proof of such passport or certificate program.

6.0 COVID-19 Educational Programming

6.1 The JBH education is optional and will be made available to the volunteers upon request.

7.0 Policy Non-compliance

In accordance with JBH policies, a volunteers’ failure to comply with or misrepresent under the JBH COVID-19 vaccine program will result in the individual becoming inactive and/or released from volunteer privileges at JBH.

8.0 Definitions

Appropriate Liaison: for employees, the appropriate liaison is EHS, for credentialed staff it is Medical Affairs. Confirmed Case: a person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19: COVID-19 is an acute respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It may be characterized by fever, cough, shortness of breath, and several other symptoms. Asymptomatic infection is also possible. The risk of severe disease increases with age but is not limited to the elderly and is elevated in those with underlying medical conditions.

Fully Vaccinated: an individual who is ≥ 14 days from receiving two doses and/or booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada and/or Public Health Ontario.

Immunization: process of protecting against vaccine preventable diseases by administration of an antigen. This induces an immune response to prevent infection from that infectious disease.

Partially Vaccinated: an individual who has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada OR is < 14 days from receiving their second dose.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): items worn to provide a barrier to help prevent potential exposure to infectious disease. These items can include gloves, gowns, surgical masks, visor, face shields, goggles, respirators, etc. Infection Prevention and Control [IPAC] provides organizational direction concerning required PPE, in alignment with provincial directives. Designated Unvaccinated: an individual who has not received any doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada or has not yet submitted their record of vaccination to the employee health services department, or medical affairs.

Volunteers: anyone without compensation or the expectation of compensation assisting the Hospital, including members of volunteer services, Board of Directors and various Committee members.

9.0 Confidentiality Statement

JBH is required, pursuant to CMOH Directive #6 for Public Hospitals within the meaning of the Public Hospitals Act, 1990 to report statistical information to the CMOH or the MOH. No identifying information will be provided to the MOH in relation to this policy; all statistical information will be provided in aggregate form.

10.0 Appendices

N/A

11.0 References

1.1 CMOH Directive #6

1.2 MOH Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario

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