The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on Health Workforce recently raised concerns to Canadian health regulators regarding the rise in vaccine hesitancy.  The College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC) acknowledges that the vast majority of registrants operate within the regulations and reminds all registrants that “chiropractors must not provide any professional advice or counseling to patients in relation to vaccination issues. Patients with vaccination questions should be advised to contact their medical doctor or local public health officials.”- Appendix J: Policy on Vaccination and Immunization from the Professional Conduct Handbook (PCH).

Section 9.5 of the PCH states that registrants may not:

a. Counsel patients with respect to immunization and vaccination
b. Conduct seminars as a chiropractor about immunization and vaccination
c. Supply immunization information (electronic, paper or verbal) in your clinic or in any other venue where you are acting as a chiropractor
d. Provide immunization information on your public website

Excerpt from a Letter from the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on Health Workforce:

Vaccine hesitancy is described as a delay in acceptance or refusal to vaccinate, despite the availability of vaccination services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) vaccine hesitancy is now one of the top 10 threats to global health, despite robust evidence showing the effectiveness and safety of vaccines. The WHO also acknowledges that health care professionals are among the most trusted sources of information when parents make decisions regarding vaccination.

The Committee goes on to state that there are reports of “health professionals promoting disproven vaccine ‘alternatives’”.   Registrants are responsible for knowing and complying with the CCBC Bylaws, the PCH and policies including Appendix J: Policy of Vaccination and Immunization.  Registrants must not provide any vaccine information, opinions or advice.

The CCBC continues to closely monitor registrant marketing to ensure compliance with regulatory policies and will investigate all complaints of this nature.

We appreciate your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Michelle Da Roza
Registrar