How to talk to people about their vaccine status
As more people are getting vaccinated against COVID-19, the question of whether someone has had their shot or not is becoming more common. However, it may not be a simple conversation to have.
Barber Bryan Nieva has been booked solid for weeks, with people cutting their hair as restrictions have started to loosen.
He said the pandemic comes up a lot in conversation.
"There is not one conversation in my day where it doesn't,” said Nieva, a barber at the Loving Barbers Co.
Sometimes those conversations include questions about whether he’s vaccinated.
"People have been asking, but we’re not going out of our way to ask ourselves. It's more of a personal issue I'd say,” Nieva said.
Kerry Bowman, a University of Toronto bioethics and global health professor, said there's nothing stopping people from asking about vaccination status, but others don’t necessarily have to answer.
"I don't believe people are obliged to answer because this is essentially health information,” Bowman said.
For service providers that are in close contact with customers, like barbers, estheticians or massage therapists, Bowman suggests posting staff vaccine status and policies for clients to see, because for some people the conversation is very personal.
"To answer that question may push them into a position where they have to disclose the fact that, you know what, they have a cancer diagnosis, or something that they are really not prepared to enter into a conversation about with all kinds of people,” Bowman said.
There's also worries that questions or mandatory vaccination policies could lead to human rights concerns.
"It’s like people being discriminated against or treated adversely because they haven’t received a vaccination or having difficulty gaining access to vaccination or for reasons cannot be vaccinated,” said Karen Sharma, acting executive director of the Manitoba Human Rights Commission.
Sharma cautioned there would be limited circumstances where a vaccine mandate is required, like a direct health-care service.
"Even where you think it’s necessary to put those requirements in place, you still think about what kind of accommodations and supports you can offer to individuals,” Sharma said.
Nieva said since he is vaccinated and follows public health advice, there’s no need to require clients to do anything but show up.
"Whether or not you decide to be vaccinated or not be vaccinated it shouldn’t affect the fact that you can get a haircut,” he said.
The Manitoba Human Rights Commission worries those who are experiencing homelessness may face barriers because they may not have access to the vaccination card.
It also said youth may not have access to a second dose due to Pfizer shortages.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.