Office Policy re Letter of Exemption for COVID-19 Vaccination

Dear Patients of Davisville Family Practice,

We hope that you are well and staying safe in these challenging and changing times.

As you are likely aware, the Government of Ontario recently unveiled a provincial-wide vaccine passport plan. As of September 22, 2021 individuals will need to provide proof of being fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) in order to enter certain public settings and facilities. This movement is an important step in encouraging all eligible individuals to get vaccinated to keep everyone safe, allow business to remain open, and to protect the already strained hospital system.

Since this announcement, our office has received a number of requests for letters of exemption from vaccination. We would like to take this opportunity to inform you about our office’s policy on letters of exemption for vaccination, which is in accordance with recommendations of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, The National Advisory Committee on Immunization, and The Ministry of Health.

There are very few acceptable medical exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccination. They include:

An allergist or immunologist-confirmed severe allergy or anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the vaccine components.
A diagnosed episode of myocarditis or pericarditis after receiving a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.

Again, these exceptions are rare, and in light of the fact that the COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to be both safe and effective there will be very few individuals who qualify for a vaccine exemption.

Please be advised that the physicians at Davisville Family Practice will not be providing any letters of exemption for vaccination to any patients who do not meet one of the criteria for exemption listed above. If a patient believes that they have had an allergic or anaphylactic reaction to a previous COVID-19 vaccine or a component of the vaccine, then they will be required to provide official documentation from a physician detailing this reaction. If such documentation cannot be provided then the patient will be sent to an allergist for formal consultation to determine whether a true allergy exists.

We thank you for your understanding and for allowing us to continue being involved in your care.

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