Public health protection measures, such as handwashing, masking, and social distancing are effective strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With the imminent rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in Canada, CNO is taking this opportunity to make its expectations about providing advice on evidence-based public health protection and prevention measures clear to nurses in Ontario.

The Ministry of Health has created an exemption in the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 to allow RNs, RPNs, and specified pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine without an order. The exemption only applies for nurses practicing in certain organizations that have an agreement with the Minister of Health related to administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.