B.C.'s top doctor says it's "reprehensible" that some health-care professionals are spreading COVID-19 vaccine misinformation.
Dr. Bonnie Henry made the comments Wednesday (Feb. 9) during her weekly press briefing, addressing recent incidents involving doctors who are spreading misinformation.
"Does it disturb me? Absolutely. It does," she said. "I think it's reprehensible, to be honest, to spread."
The health officer noted she's particularly concerned that individuals will turn to health-care professionals with legitimate concerns and questions.
"I know there have been complaints," Henry acknowledged, noting that the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia is addressing these concerns and that lies have resulted in people not taking preventative action.
"That has led to serious illness and deaths and... I put that squarely at the hands of people who are spreading this type of misinformation," she underscored.
"So as you can see... I think it is a very egregious breach of our responsibilities as health-care professionals."
All B.C. health-care workers will be required to be vaccinated by March 24. They'll need at least one dose by March 24 and can continue working as long as they get their second dose 28 to 35 days after their first jab.
Other health-care professionals, such as those working in community health settings, long-term care and acute care, have been required to be fully vaccinated since last fall.
With files from Tyler Orton
