12/07/2021
Dear Patients and public:
Many of you may have had the misfortune to view reports of the recent AGM of the BC College of Chiropractors in which, although a very low percentage of practicing chiropractors actually attended, there was a disturbing lack of support manifested for the Province's vaccination programme against COVID-19.
For the record, I do not support such a dissenting voice. I wholly support the medical professionals who know far more about virology, epidemiology and vaccination than do I. I support the current vaccination programme and in the personal protection measures we have all been encouraged to adopt to help curtail this pandemic.
Below, I include a statement by the Board of Directors of the BC Chiropractic Association:
"The BC Chiropractic Association (BCCA) was disappointed and appalled at the misrepresentation of facts concerning the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine by those speaking out against the expected vaccination mandate for regulated health professionals during the College of Chiropractors of BC’s December 1, 2021, AGM.
The BCCA has taken a very public stance regarding vaccination, as evidenced by the vaccination and immunization position statement that appears on the Association’s website. We strongly support
preventive health care, the protection of individuals from the serious consequences of infectious disease and that immunization is a well-established and widely accepted public health policy to protect individuals against infectious disease, including COVID-19.
The BCCA represents 85% of chiropractors practicing in BC, and the views expressed at the CCBC AGM are not representative of the Association. Of the over 1,300 licensed chiropractors in British Columbia, less than 15% of registrants were present at the CCBC AGM.
We are confident that the vast majority of our members understand the importance of protecting their patients from COVID-19 infection, as evidenced by their diligent adherence to safety protocols and the fact that there are virtually no cases of COVID-19 transmission linked to chiropractic clinics in British Columbia.
The BCCA worked diligently with the regional health authorities to disseminate information to our members regarding the inclusion of chiropractors in the first phases of the province’s vaccination plan
and continued this line of communication throughout the rollout of second doses. We heard from many members who were delighted and relieved to be included in the priority groupings. Although vaccination itself is not within chiropractors’ scope of practice, the Chiropractors of BC strongly support public health initiatives contrary to what has been depicted in the media. If chiropractic patients have questions about immunization, they should be referred to their physician or the public health unit of the provincial health authority.
The BCCA Board of Directors appreciates and fully supports the efforts of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Minister of Health Adrian Dix as they navigate the province of BC through this global health crisis."
We all have the right to personal opinion and we even have the right to express the same. May we, however, have the sense to recognize the difference between impassioned, unbridled opinion and the knowledge shared by professionals, derived from research and education.
Be wise! Be safe!
David J. Raymant D.C.
