Dear Chiefs and Leaders,
As part of our commitment to keep you informed of the FNHA's response to the COVID-19 pandemic I'd like to offer an update on our approach to COVID-19 vaccinations for staff and contractors.
In alignment with the Provincial Health Officer Hospital and Community (Health Care and Other Services) COVID-19 Vaccination Status Information and Preventative Measures Order issued Oct. 14, 2021 that applies to health care employers and funders, their employees, contractors, subcontractors and health professionals who work for them, FNHA is amending our policies to require vaccination against COVID-19 for all employees, contractors and volunteers in community facing roles by Oct. 26, 2021.
At minimum, community facing staff must have received one dose by Oct. 25. 2021 and wait seven days post-vaccination before entering community. As well, community facing staff with only one vaccination will need to comply with specific public health prevention measures and receive a second dose within 35 days of their initial dose.
The balance of all FNHA employees and contractors will require vaccination by Nov. 30, 2021. This timeframe will ensure that staff who are not yet vaccinated have the time to do so.
Furthermore, FNHA will be requiring that all staff provide proof of vaccination (copy of BC Vaccine Card) which we will validate using the BC Vaccine Card Verification App. For contractors, we are requiring completion of a Declaration of FNHA Vaccine Requirements and that all contractor personnel carry proof of vaccination and produce proof of vaccination upon request by a FNHA representative.
For communities who are considering a similar approach we will make available the following resources under the COVID-19 Community Leaders webpage in the coming days:
- Staff Mandatory Vaccination Policy Template
- Contractor Vaccination Requirement Letter Template
- Contractor Declaration of Vaccine Requirement Template
In closing, we want to highlight FNHA's Leadership Statement in that what happens to community happens to us. We are proud to be part of a health governance structure that strives for excellence and shares a belief that First Nations deserve the best we have to offer. Committing to having a fully vaccinated staff team is just one part of our health leadership responsibilities and we invite you to join us in delivering on this commitment.
In Health and Wellness,
Richard Jock
Chief Executive Officer
