The groups representing pharmacy workers and nurses in Nova Scotia are distancing themselves from anti-vaxx protests happening outside hospitals in Canada including the QEII in Halifax.
The group “Canadian Frontline Nurses” is organizing the protests in opposition of mandatory vaccinations for health care workers along with government measures related to the pandemic.
They claim to represent medical professionals but were recently condemned by the Canadian Nurses Association. They are a group led by fired nurses and a represent a small minority of healthcare workers. They have been spreading dangerous misinformation about COVID-19 and vaccines.
The Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS) states they support mandatory COVID vaccines for all health care workers.
“Some of our most vulnerable population visit pharmacies and other community providers every day,” says Diane Harpell, Chair of the Board of the PANS. “Health care providers, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have a responsibility to ensure that their practice environments are as safe as possible. The evidence is clear: COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. As key partners in the vaccination program, we believe this is an important step for Nova Scotia.”
Even without a provincial mandate from the government, PANS calls on all health care employers to implement vaccine policies that support their practice environment and the patients they serve.
Meantime, the Nova Scotia Nurses Union (NSNU) sent out a similar message on Monday.
“Throughout the pandemic, NSNU has stood on the side of science. We have advocated for evidence-based public health measures to stem the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing, masking and vaccination.”
The statement goes on to further distance the union from the protests.
“NSNU is NOT part of this group, nor do we endorse it. Please, do not get this protest confused with the Day of Action on the nursing crisis that Canada’s nurses are partaking in on September 17th ahead of the federal election.”
“The public should rest assured that the vast majority of Nova Scotia’s nurses are united in their commitment to operate from a stringent code of ethics, and they are duty-bound to use science, evidence, and facts in providing the care they deliver to their patients, clients and residents. This scientific approach is a fundamental ideology of modern nursing and we will always stand by it.”
