Getting vaccinated should be a personal choice, says Dr. Howard Njoo, Canada’s deputy chief public health officer..Blacklock’s Reporter said Njoo tells unvaccinated friends it’s their personal choice, but recommends they take precautions, like avoiding large gatherings..Four million eligible Canadians have declined their COVID-19 shots, according to Public Health Agency figures..“Both my wife and I are completely vaccinated so that’s fine,” Njoo told reporters. He said his adult children were also immunized, but added: “I’m not sure if they actually listen to me..“I will state I’ve had conversations with friends who are having a tougher time, especially with members of their family who are not vaccinated at all or only partially vaccinated,” said Njoo..“If a family member is not vaccinated, you should politely explain your situation and your discomfort level, and if they choose not to be immunized that’s their choice..“There are consequences in terms of even family dynamics and others feeling safe about getting together. So I’ll leave it at that.”.About 82% of Canadians are fully vaccinated, by official estimate. Among Canadians over 80, the group that accounts for a majority of COVID-19 deaths in Canada, immunization coverage is 91%..Among Canadians of all ages over 12, rates of full vaccination range from 75% in Alberta and Saskatchewan to 81% in New Brunswick, 82% in British Columbia and Ontario, 83% in Manitoba, 84% in Nova Scotia, 85% in Québec and Newfoundland & Labrador, and 87% in Prince Edward Island, according to a Health Agency report..“For the first time since mid-July the epidemic has dropped out of a growth pattern nationally,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, chief public health officer..While COVID-19 “is unlikely to disappear entirely” this winter, “with the level of vaccine coverage that we have achieved in Canada to date we are much better protected going into the respiratory infection season,” said Tam..The remarks followed an October 6 directive by the Treasury Board claiming unvaccinated federal employees could face loss of pay and health benefits if they do not complete a questionnaire stating they’ve been immunized. Documents show individual federal agencies already have vaccination rates up to 97%..The Treasury Board in apolicy detailed numerous exemptions covering some 212,000 employees governed by separate Acts of Parliament outside of “core public administration” including federal judges, Parks Canada wardens, postal workers, tax collectors, Canadian Food Inspection Agency meat inspectors and members of the Canadian Armed Forces..Under contracts and collective agreements with federal unions, the Treasury Board cannot fire employees based on their medical history.
Getting vaccinated should be a personal choice, says Dr. Howard Njoo, Canada’s deputy chief public health officer..Blacklock’s Reporter said Njoo tells unvaccinated friends it’s their personal choice, but recommends they take precautions, like avoiding large gatherings..Four million eligible Canadians have declined their COVID-19 shots, according to Public Health Agency figures..“Both my wife and I are completely vaccinated so that’s fine,” Njoo told reporters. He said his adult children were also immunized, but added: “I’m not sure if they actually listen to me..“I will state I’ve had conversations with friends who are having a tougher time, especially with members of their family who are not vaccinated at all or only partially vaccinated,” said Njoo..“If a family member is not vaccinated, you should politely explain your situation and your discomfort level, and if they choose not to be immunized that’s their choice..“There are consequences in terms of even family dynamics and others feeling safe about getting together. So I’ll leave it at that.”.About 82% of Canadians are fully vaccinated, by official estimate. Among Canadians over 80, the group that accounts for a majority of COVID-19 deaths in Canada, immunization coverage is 91%..Among Canadians of all ages over 12, rates of full vaccination range from 75% in Alberta and Saskatchewan to 81% in New Brunswick, 82% in British Columbia and Ontario, 83% in Manitoba, 84% in Nova Scotia, 85% in Québec and Newfoundland & Labrador, and 87% in Prince Edward Island, according to a Health Agency report..“For the first time since mid-July the epidemic has dropped out of a growth pattern nationally,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, chief public health officer..While COVID-19 “is unlikely to disappear entirely” this winter, “with the level of vaccine coverage that we have achieved in Canada to date we are much better protected going into the respiratory infection season,” said Tam..The remarks followed an October 6 directive by the Treasury Board claiming unvaccinated federal employees could face loss of pay and health benefits if they do not complete a questionnaire stating they’ve been immunized. Documents show individual federal agencies already have vaccination rates up to 97%..The Treasury Board in apolicy detailed numerous exemptions covering some 212,000 employees governed by separate Acts of Parliament outside of “core public administration” including federal judges, Parks Canada wardens, postal workers, tax collectors, Canadian Food Inspection Agency meat inspectors and members of the Canadian Armed Forces..Under contracts and collective agreements with federal unions, the Treasury Board cannot fire employees based on their medical history.
