Your digest
Oct. 31 is the deadline for a fully vaccinated workplace
Last week, our CEO Dr. Graham Sher provided an email update about our plans to work towards a fully vaccinated workplace by October 31. Being fully vaccinated will be a condition of employment for all employees (including those working remotely) of Canadian Blood Services. The vaccination policy is now available here. As a first step toward achieving our goal of becoming a fully vaccinated workplace, employees and fee for service contractors will be required to attest to their current vaccination status via a secure online tool on MEDA, from September 13 to 22 inclusive. Visit Connect to read more about the expectations for employees and watch a special video from Graham about the deep thinking that went into this policy.
Celebrating and thanking all stem cell donors
As World Marrow Donor Day approaches on Sept. 18, we are celebrating the vital role of all stem cell donors who help us support patients, including unrelated donors, family donors, cord blood donors, and registrants who are on the global registry waiting to donate. Rachel Van Pelt of St. Thomas, Ont. is one of those we are celebrating. While many people’s bucket lists are topped with travel to exotic destinations, Rachel’s list included donating stem cells. Her chance arrived out of the blue, with a call from our stem cell registry. “My heart raced,” says Rachel. “I couldn’t believe it. It had been eleven years since I signed up on the stem cell registry with no call to donate.” Read Rachel’s story on blood.ca/stories and stay tuned for more stories about donors in the weeks ahead.
Download our new and improved PowerPoint template
An improved PowerPoint template is now available on our templates page. It features more images that further reflect our diverse community, and slide options showcasing our full areas of expertise in blood, plasma, stem cells and organs and tissues. There are also new layout options and icons to choose from to help you create more engaging presentations, while taking out the guesswork. Download the new and improved PowerPoint template on Connect and check out the full range of Canadian Blood Services-branded templates.
Question of the day: If I get sick after getting a COVID-19 vaccine, will I be supported with sick leave?
Employees who need to utilize sick leave for COVID-19 related illnesses, including mental illness and experiencing adverse reactions to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, will continue to be paid sick leave at 100 per cent. Side effects after vaccination are often part of the body's natural response to a vaccine. Your body responds this way because it's working hard to build protection against the disease. Common side effects of COVID-19 vaccination can last from a few hours to a few days, and include fever, fatigue, headache, pain at the injection site.
For more information on your situation and whether you are eligible for COVID-19 related sick leave, please reach out to your PCP Business Partner.
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About your digest
This digest highlights the latest policy and employee support measures, resources to help you manage our new reality and original content like articles and videos to remind us that what we do matters. No access to email? No problem — all this information and more can be found on blood.ca/employees from any device, no login required.
Click here to read past editions of your digest.
Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca