AHS healthcare workers will no longer be required to be immunized for COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Alberta Health Services is rescinding its Immunization of Workers for COVID-19 Policy, effective Monday July 18th.
AHS says new hires and students will no longer be required to be immunized for COVID-19 upon hire or placement.
AHS explains that “the decision to rescind the policy is the result of emerging evidence that the immunization required by the policy has become less protective against infection,” and “the COVID-19 vaccines available to date target the original strain of the virus and the virus has evolved since then.”
Officials add the policy came into effect at a time when Delta was the dominant variant.
“We continue to recommend COVID-19 immunization, including all booster doses available, to all of our healthcare workers,” says Mauro Chies, Interim President and CEO, AHS.
AHS officials add that safety measures are still in place for their staff who “are required to stay home when sick, wear required personal protective equipment and practice hand hygiene.