UHN's mandatory vaccination policy came into effect on October 22, 2021.
Download the vaccine policy info sheet
Looking for vaccination resources? Please visit our
COVID-19 Vaccine site.
Why has UHN implemented COVID-19 vaccination requirements for visitors?
As a hospital, it is our responsibility to do everything we can to protect our patients, staff and community. We know that vaccinations are key in helping stop the spread of COVID-19. For that reason, UHN requires that everyone coming to our sites is fully vaccinated. Note – this policy does not apply to patients.
What is the definition of "fully vaccinated?"
To be considered fully vaccinated, you must have received the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine or combination of COVID-19 vaccines, that are
authorized by Health Canada. This means you must have two doses of a two-dose vaccine series, or one dose of a single-dose vaccine series. Your final dose must have been at least 14 days ago.
Learn more about Ontario's vaccination program on the Ontario COVID-19 Vaccines page
If I'm fully vaccinated, do I still need to follow other public health protocols while at UHN?
Yes – all our existing policies and protocols still apply. All visitors must pass self-screening, and continue to wear a medical mask and practice physical distancing and hand hygiene while inside UHN spaces.
Are there exceptions for ECPs who are not fully vaccinated?
Some exceptions will be made in emergency situations, or on compassionate or human rights grounds. Speak with the patient's care team about exceptions. Pre-approval for an unvaccinated ECP will be needed by the
unit or
clinic manager, except in an emergency situation.
If an exception is approved, a negative COVID-19 test result will be needed. This can be a rapid antigen test result done on the day of the visit, or a PCR test done within the last 48 hours. A photo can be shown to the manager.
Learn more about
COVID-19 testing locations and
COVID vaccines in Ontario.
Conditions Managers Consider for Visitor Vaccine Exceptions and Visits to Outbreak Units
Inpatient settings:
- Patients who are at
end-of-life (less than two weeks): Patients with a high risk of dying within the next two weeks must have
24 hour access to family/people of importance. 2 ECPs are permitted at the same time (concurrently). Where space is limited, teams may offer scheduled access to accommodate different family members. Unvaccinated ECPs may receive an exemption directly from the manager.
- Patients who are otherwise
palliative or who have a significant life limiting course with greater than 2 weeks expected: Unvaccinated ECPs may receive an exemption in this case but should consult with the team.
- Patients considered
vulnerable, including those who:
- are
under 18 years old;*
- are receiving a
life-altering diagnosis;
- are experiencing
mental health crisis;*
- have a
significant developmental or intellectual delay;*
- are
frail and need continuous support to safely eat, move or manage mental or social needs;
- are
unable to effectively communicate, and
communication cannot be adequately supported by Interpretation and Translation Services (ITS) or other clinical supports;
- have a
pre-existing cognitive impairment
that cannot be supported by the care team (not a new-onset neurological impairment). This allowance will vary by unit.
- have a
complex discharge where ECP discharge training is required.
or
- An ECP who has applied for an exemption based on medical or other human rights grounds, and has been approved by the UHN Vaccine Exemption Panel.
* Visiting hours do not apply for these patients. Allow 24-hour access.
Outpatient settings:
Reminder: All outpatients may have
1 ECP accompany them to an appointment. Pre-approval is
not required.
Consider exceptions to the ECP Vaccination Policy for patients who:
- Require a support person
to safely attend their appointment. For example, due to dementia, significant developmental or intellectual delay, inability to effectively communicate, mobility issues, etc.
- Meet the vulnerable patient criteria listed above.
- Are receiving a
life altering diagnosis.
or
- An ECP who has applied for an exemption based on medical or other human rights grounds, and has been approved by the UHN Vaccine Exemption Panel.
I'm assisting someone to the Emergency Department, but I'm not fully vaccinated. What can I do?
If you pass symptom and risk factor self-screening, you can help the patient to the triage area. You will not be allowed to enter the Emergency Department or wait with them, unless approved for an exception.
If approved, you must do a rapid antigen self-test and receive a negative result to enter.
Can I visit a Toronto Rehab patient outdoors, if I'm not fully vaccinated?
Although full vaccination is not required for outdoor visits, we strongly recommend choosing visitors who are vaccinated. If visitors need to go inside the hospital at any time during the visit, such as to pick up a patient or use the washroom, they will need to be vaccinated if over 12 years old.
Whether you are going indoors or not, you will need to pass hospital COVID-19 screening and wear a medical mask.
Who can I speak to if I disagree with a decision for my situation?
For the safety of other patients, visitors and our staff, our clinic and unit managers must follow UHN policies on who can be allowed to enter UHN during the pandemic. They are only able to permit Essential Care Partners for patients or situations that fit within the current safety criteria.
If you are declined approval by the unit/clinic manager, but feel that you should be eligible, you can contact UHN Patient Relations at 416 340 4907 or
patientrelations@uhn.ca.
While an exception may not be possible, the Patient Relations team will help work with you to understand if there is information that the team was not aware of when making their decision.
