Coronavirus in Belgium: on April 1, unvaccinated healthcare professionals could lose their accreditation
On April 1, professionals in the healthcare sector were not vaccinated to lose their license to exercise their activity. Federal Minister of Health Frank Vandenbroucke has tabled a bill in this direction to the government, he explained in a House committee on Monday.
For several months, discussions have taken place on the vaccination obligation of caregivers. The consultation committee has acted in principle. The bill is expected to be passed before the end of the year or very early next year. It would lead to the loss of accreditation of healthcare professionals who refuse vaccination. The list of people concerned is long: doctors, nurses, paramedics, first aid workers, pharmacists, etc.
“A strong signal”
Such a law would constitute, according to the minister, a “strong signal” that “we do not have much time to get vaccinated if we still want to exercise a care profession”. Mr. Vandenbroucke, however, denies stigmatizing a particular sector. “A large part of these people are already vaccinated. But it is important that everyone does, to protect themselves and protect patients.”
The Regions will have to settle the case of non-nursing staff in healthcare institutions: logistics, administrative and others.