With rising COVID-19 cases impacting those who are unvaccinated more severely, it is imperative that every step possible is taken so we don’t lose the positive gains we’ve achieved together.

Vaccinations against COVID-19 are the key to stop the surge of COVID-19 cases. It reduces your chances of contracting COVID-19 and keeps you from getting seriously ill even if you do get the virus. Once you have had two doses and two weeks have passed, you are 80-90 per cent less likely to get infected with the virus.  

That is why Unity Health Toronto is taking the necessary measures to create the safest environments possible for our patients, staff, physicians, and learners by implementing a new required COVID-19 vaccination policy on September 7. This means staff, physicians, volunteers, learners and regular contractors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with the exception of those who have an approved medical exemption or human rights accommodation. All new hires also need to provide proof of vaccination before starting at Unity Health.

Aligned to the Ministry of Health’s Directive #6, this policy is designed in a phased in approach with the goal of achieving 100 per cent vaccination rate across Unity Health’s three sites.

  • Starting September 7, staff and physicians who haven’t submitted COVID-19 vaccine receipts must show proof of full vaccination or undergo required testing onsite twice per 7-day period.
  • As of October 4, our requirement for all persons to be vaccinated will come into effect. This is the deadline for staff and physicians to submit evidence that they have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or they will be placed on a temporary unpaid leave of absence.
  • By November 4, any staff and physicians who had previously provided evidence of only a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, must submit evidence of having received their second dose or they will be placed on a temporary unpaid leave of absence.
  • Processes are being put in place to ensure compliance for students, volunteers and contracted workers

The strength of Unity Health is our people, our values, and our steadfast commitment to excellent and safe care for our patients, and particularly those who are most vulnerable. We will only beat COVID-19 when the majority of people get vaccinated.

You can read the full policy here.