I just received this email forwarded to me by a chiropractic colleague and friend. He has been steamed about the misinformation and advice being broadcast to the public by certain Ottawa chiropractors.
Below, from the Ontario Chiropractic Association is their policy statement on this issue that in short states that vaccine science and recommendations are beyond the scope of practice for chiropractors.
I have great respect for their stance for being so clear and decisive.
ONTARIO CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION
Important information about H1N1
Flu vaccinations
As you are all aware, there has been a great deal of media and public concern regarding the H1N1 vaccine and patients may ask chiropractors for their views on whether to get the vaccination of to vaccinate their family members. The OCA does not have a position or provide advice on whether or not an individual should receive the H1N1 vaccine. This is a public health issue and vaccination is outside the scope of practice of chiropractors.
Members are reminded of the CCO Standard of Practice S:015 Immunization/Vaccination which includes the following:
Chiropractors may not, in their professional capacity, treat or advise patients/others with respect to immunization/vaccination as it is outside their scope of practice, as defined in Section 3 of the Chiropractic Act, 1991.
In responding to requests from patients and members of the public regarding immunization/ vaccination, members shall:
1. Advise that immunization/vaccination is outside the scope of practice of chiropractic and chiropractors do not have the legislative authority to immunize/vaccinate patients; and
2. Advise patients to consult with health providers who have immunization/vaccination within their scope of practice, namely, physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners.
Additionally, while the OCA does not have a policy on immunization, the CCA’s position statement is below for your information.
CCA: Vaccination and Immunization
Vaccination is a well-established and widely mandated public health policy and the CCA supports public health promotion and prevention strategies that encourage physical and mental health and well-being.
The CCA accepts vaccination as a cost-effective and clinically efficient public health preventative procedure for certain viral and microbial diseases, as demonstrated by the scientific community.
The public responsibility for vaccination and immunization is neither within the chiropractic scope of practice, nor a chiropractic specific issue. Public health programming and literature provide appropriate sources of information for patient education regarding vaccination and immunization.
The Canadian Chiropractic Association represents the professional interests of Canada’s chiropractors. Chiropractic is a regulated health care profession recognized by statute in all Canadian provinces, and is one of the largest primary health care professions in Canada. The practice of chiropractic consists of the examination, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of spinal, joint and related neuromusculoskeletal disorders
Ontario Chiropractic Association
200 – 20 Victoria St.
Toronto ON M5C 2N8
Tel: 416-860-0070 or1-877-327-2273
Fax: 416-860-0857
Email: oca@chiropractic.on.ca
www.chiropractic.on.ca