Provincial Health Officer announces order requiring COVID-19 vaccination for all regulated health professionals

BC Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Dr. Bonnie Henry announced today (February 9, 2022) that she will issue a public health order next week requiring full COVID-19 vaccination for all regulated health professionals, including TCM practitioners and acupuncturists.

The new order will broaden a previous PHO order originally dated October 14, 2021, which mandated COVID-19 vaccination for health care workers working in acute, long-term, and community care health settings. See the College announcement on the October 14, 2021 PHO Order.

Dr. Henry indicated that the new order will require all regulated health professionals to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by March 24, 2022.

The College has not yet been provided with the proposed order and does not have specific information about what role is to be played by the College and other health regulatory colleges. After the order is released, the College will review it, consult with the Ministry of Health and other BC health regulators, and provide registrants with additional information.

Under the Public Health Act, the Provincial Health Officer has the authority to issue public health orders, including vaccination mandates, to protect the public.