There seems to be some confusion among workers at private long term care homes who’ve been told they need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 this fall.

A joint statement from Chartwell, Extendicare, Responsive Group, Revera, and Sienna Senior Living says employees who are not fully vaccinated with two doses as of October 12th will be placed on unpaid leave of absence. It also says COVID vaccination will be required for new hires, students and other personnel working with the companies.

Sharlene Stewart is president of SEIU Healthcare which represents the nursing home workers.

“There is no clear plan with this announcement so we’ve reached out to those employers and asked them to meet with us and clarify some of the issues that the frontline workers have,” Stewart explained.

The provincial PCs have set minimum standards for vaccination policies in nursing homes. Staff must show proof of full vaccination or a medical exemption, and those not vaccinated must take an educational program about COVID-19 vaccination.

A request from the Ontario Long Term Care Association has gone to the governing Tories asking them to mandate COVID 19 vaccinations for all direct care providers.