Acting MOH Recommends Mandatory Vaccine Policies for all Employers

Point Edward, ON – Dr. Greensmith, Acting Medical Officer of Health for the County of Lambton, is recommending all local employers institute mandatory vaccine policies for staff to protect their companies and customers from COVID-19, and the Delta variant which is currently circulating in the community. This recommendation includes all County of Lambton staff and councillors.

“Lambton Public Health (LPH) and County Council need to demonstrate strong leadership during this time,” said Dr. Greensmith. “Higher vaccination rates are needed to provide community protection against COVID-19 and its variants.”

A workplace COVID-19 vaccination policy should require all employees to:

• Provide proof of full immunization against COVID-19.
• Or provide:
  • A written request for accommodation; and/or
  • Completion of a COVID-19 vaccination education session

“Our current vaccination rates are good, but we need to do better,” said Dr. Greensmith. “Policies are one tool we have to improve vaccine coverage. If we can successfully achieve greater than 90 percent vaccination rates, we hope to avoid further lockdowns and disruptions to schools and learning, which have significant negative economic and social consequences.”

“Public Health has a role to advocate for healthy public policy and must lead by example,” continued Dr. Greensmith. “We are encouraging local employers and workplaces to adopt similar polices, so the County of Lambton also needs to practice what it preaches.”

Being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 does not replace the need for residents to continue to follow all COVID-19 public health guidance. Local employers must apply all COVID-19 prevention measures for their sector outlined in the Provincial guidelines including, but not limited to: screening, physical distancing, wearing of masks and eye protection, hand hygiene, infection prevention and control, and a COVID-19 safety plan.

There are still many access points for those looking for their first or second dose. LPH is holding a number of smaller, community-based clinics in September, most of which are offering walk-ins. The clinics are open to anyone aged 12+ for first and second doses. A weekly schedule of Upcoming Clinics along with a list of the vaccine brand offered at each is posted on the LPH website. Residents are asked to check back often as the site is updated frequently.

LPH is also partnering with both local school boards and Lambton College to make vaccines readily available to students returning to school. This includes youth who were born in 2009 and will turn 12 years of age this year. The first clinic will be held at Great Lakes Secondary School on September 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome and walk-ins are permitted. As well, Lambton College and LPH are hosting two clinics to offer vaccinations to staff and students on September 9 and 14. Those clinics will run from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Student Lounge. Walk-ins are also welcome here. Additional school clinics are being planned and more details will be announced soon.

Several local pharmacies also continue to offer COVID-19 vaccinations. A list of local pharmacies and which vaccine brand they’re offering is updated weekly on our Registration site.

Lambton Public Health is also working with local primary care providers to deliver COVID vaccinations in their offices. People who still have questions about the vaccines are encouraged to have a conversation with their health care provider.

Residents are also reminded that Lambton Elderly Outreach (LEO) and the Canadian Red Cross are offering FREE transportation to any local vaccination site for individuals aged 50+ and those of any age with disabilities who have no access to a vehicle, public transit or another method of travel to vaccine sites.  If interested, please call LEO at 519-845-1353 (extension 360) or the Canadian Red Cross at 519-332-6380.

For the latest updates on Lambton County’s COVID-19 Immunization Rollout please visit GetTheVaccine.ca.

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LPH Media Inquiries