In anticipation of regulatory requirements by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expected in mid to late October, along with the availability of safe and effective vaccines approved by the Federal Drug Administration, we encourage all O&P professionals, both healthcare providers and those who work in healthcare facilities, to get the COVID-19 vaccine*. In November 2020, AOPA was successful in advocating for the O&P profession to be included among the frontline healthcare workers that received the vaccine first when it was made available. Vaccination is one way the profession can fulfill its ethical commitment to ensure the health and well-being of colleagues, patients, and the public.
As part of the healthcare community, we join our colleagues at the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and others in this recommendation, and we hope all healthcare organizations across the country will strongly encourage vaccines for their healthcare providers and those who work in healthcare facilities.
*Except those who are unable for medical or religious reasons and/or as outlined by any regulatory requirements
For information on the safety of the vaccines visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage.