Policy Purpose

The Hamilton Public Library (the Library) has an obligation under Provincial legislation to take all necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of its workforce and is committed to providing excellent service to our community and to building trust and confidence in local government.

To help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, this Mandatory Workplace COVID-19 Vaccination Verification Policy is an important measure that complements other workplace health and safety measures in place in accordance with any applicable governing legislation.

The City of Hamilton (the City) has adopted a Mandatory Workplace COVID-19 Vaccination Verification Policy. Our policy is in line with the City, Public Health guidance and supports the direction that vaccines provide a high level of protection against COVID-19 and related variants. Receiving two doses of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or one dose of a one-dose COVID-19 vaccine series in accordance with current public health and/or provincial requirements as prescribed is the best defense against the virus.

The Library is demonstrating its commitment to promoting vaccinations to ensure the health and safety of all members of its workforce and the broader City of Hamilton community.

Points Summary

The purpose of this policy is to outline the Library’s requirement with regard to COVID-19 vaccination and provide direction to employees on the requirement to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, provide proof of vaccination or a bona fide medical or human rights exemption and conditions for attending work without vaccination.

Definitions

COVID-19

A virus belonging to a large family called coronavirus which includes the virus that causes the common cold and more severe disease such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-COV). The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novelcoronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2.

Vaccine

For the purposes of this Policy, a Vaccine is defined as a substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against SARS-CoV-2.

Fully Vaccinated

Having received two doses of two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or one dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine series that is authorized or approved by the World Health Organization (WHO); having received the final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago; and any subsequent required boosters. A two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series may include receiving combination COVID-19 vaccines such as a combination of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines or a vector vaccine followed by an mRNA vaccine as authorized or approved by a province’s or country’s Public Health Agency.

Partially Vaccinated

Having received the one dose of a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine or combination of COVID-19 vaccines authorized or approved by the World Health Organization (WHO); having received the final dose of a single-dose or two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine less than 14 days ago; and/or failure to receive subsequent required boosters.

Unvaccinated

Has not received any doses of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized or approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Proof of Vaccination

Documentation issued by the Ontario Ministry of Health, other provinces or territory or international equivalent indicating individual immunization status against the COVID-19 virus.

Proof of Medical Exemption

Written proof of a medical reason provided by a physician, nurse practitioner in the extended class, or physician specialist as deemed necessary that sets out: (i) the nature of the medical condition that the person cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19, and (ii) the effective time- period for the medical reason.

Educational Program

An educational program that has been approved by and/or provided by the Library and addresses the following learning components:

• How COVID-19 vaccines work
• Vaccine safety related to the development of the COVID-19 vaccines
• Benefits of vaccination against COVID-19
• Risks of not being vaccinated against COVID-19
• Possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccination