In Canada, certain jobs require proof of vaccination due to
the nature of the work and the need to protect employees, clients, and the
public. Below is a comprehensive guide for newcomers on jobs that typically
require vaccination records, the reasons for these requirements, and additional
considerations.
Jobs in Canada That Typically Require Proof of
Vaccination
1. Healthcare and Medical Fields
- Examples:
Doctors, nurses, paramedics, personal support workers (PSWs), pharmacists,
lab technicians, and other healthcare staff.
- Vaccines
Required:
- Hepatitis
B
- Measles,
Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella
(Chickenpox)
- Tetanus,
Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
- COVID-19
(as per current provincial guidelines)
- Influenza
(for seasonal work or flu prevention campaigns)
- Why:
To protect patients and reduce the risk of outbreaks in healthcare
settings.
2. Childcare and Education
- Examples:
Teachers, daycare workers, early childhood educators, and school staff.
- Vaccines
Required:
- MMR
(Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Varicella
(Chickenpox)
- Tdap
(Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
- COVID-19
(if mandated by provincial or employer policy)
- Why:
Children are more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases, making
immunization critical in these environments.
3. Public Safety and Emergency Services
- Examples:
Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and correctional officers.
- Vaccines
Required:
- Hepatitis
B
- Tdap
(Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
- MMR
- COVID-19
(if required by employer or province)
- Why:
These roles often involve close contact with the public, including
individuals at high risk of infectious diseases.
4. Jobs in Long-Term Care and Senior Living Facilities
- Examples:
Caregivers, nurses, housekeeping staff, and administrative roles within
senior homes.
- Vaccines
Required:
- Influenza
- COVID-19
- Tdap
- Hepatitis
B
- Why:
To protect elderly residents who are at higher risk of severe disease.
5. Jobs Requiring International Travel
- Examples:
Flight attendants, pilots, travel guides, international aid workers.
- Vaccines
Required:
- Hepatitis
A and B
- Yellow
Fever (if traveling to certain countries)
- Typhoid
- Rabies
(for specific roles)
- COVID-19
- Why:
To meet the health regulations of destination countries and protect
employees from endemic diseases.
6. Food and Agriculture Industries
- Examples:
Food service workers, farmworkers, food inspectors.
- Vaccines
Required:
- Why:
To prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and protect workers from
diseases that can arise in agricultural settings.
7. Military and Defense
- Examples:
Canadian Armed Forces personnel.
- Vaccines
Required:
- Standard
immunizations (e.g., Tdap, Hepatitis A/B, Influenza)
- Additional
vaccines based on deployment (e.g., Yellow Fever, Malaria prophylaxis)
- Why:
To maintain the health of service members, especially during deployments
to areas with specific health risks.
How to Provide Proof of Vaccination
- Vaccination
Card: Bring your immunization record from your country of origin.
Ensure it is translated into English or French if necessary.
- Provincial
Records: After settling in Canada, update your vaccination history
with your provincial health authority.
- Employer
Requirements: Some employers may provide forms or require you to show
proof of vaccination as part of the hiring process.
What to Do If You Don’t Have a Vaccination Record
- Consult
a Healthcare Provider:
- Your
doctor can perform blood tests (titers) to check for immunity to certain
diseases.
- They
may recommend re-vaccination if necessary.
- Contact
Public Health:
- Provincial
public health units can guide you on required vaccines and where to get
them.
Key Provincial Variations
- Provinces
like British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec may have specific regulations
regarding mandatory vaccinations for certain roles, particularly in
healthcare and education.
- Check
with your employer and provincial health authorities for details.
