Effective October 26, 2021, vaccination against COVID-19 will be a condition of employment for employees at all B.C. healthcare facilities. This will include all workers, students, physicians, residents, contractors and volunteers who work in healthcare facilities, including contracted facilities. It will also include those working in settings such as home and community care facilities, including client homes.

In rare instances, where medical condition may prevent full vaccination, there will be a process in place through the Provincial Health Officer’s office, using a committee of experts, to review each individual request for a medical or religious exemption.

This announcement represents an expansion of a previous B.C. Order requiring vaccination of all employees at long-term care and assisted living facilities, as of October 12, 2021.

We will continue to update our clients with information as soon as it becomes available. If you have any questions about this topic, other COVID-19 related questions, or would like assistance with developing a COVID-19 vaccination policy tailored to the needs of your workplace, please do not hesitate to contact a Mathews Dinsdale lawyer, or refer to the Firm’s COVID-19 website resources.