No anti-vaxx docs invited to science advisory table: Elliott

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Ontario will not add doctors who disagree with vaccination to its COVID-19 science advisory table, Health Minister Christine Elliott says.

Independent MPP Rick Nicholls, who was forced out of the Progressive Conservative caucus for refusing to get vaccinated, asked the minister if the science table would welcome doctors who work day in and out with COVID-19 patients and who have a different viewpoint on treatment.

“Many are front-line doctors working side by side with other health care professionals. They can add valuable insights from their experiences in assisting the government in providing the best solutions for patients,” Nicholls said Monday. “Now, in my opinion, a more balanced approach would assist the science table in making, again, more informed decisions.”

Elliott said the provincial government listens to a variety of doctors including Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore as well as those serving on the science advisory table and in Public Health Ontario.

“But if (Nicholls) is suggesting that we should have a discussion at the science advisory table of those who are in favour of vaccination and those who are not, absolutely not,” she said. “I would not agree to that, because the experts have already indicated that the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, your family and your community is to be vaccinated.”

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) has directed that doctors cannot promote anti-vaccination views and has ordered several doctors to stop providing vaccine and mask exemptions.

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Ontario reported 422 new COVID-19 cases, 133 patients in intensive care and three additional deaths on Monday.

Of the new cases, 139 were in Ontarians aged 20 to 39 years old, followed by 88 cases in 40 to 59 year-olds and 71 cases in five to 11 year-olds.

Provincial health data shows 261 individuals who were either not vaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown were among the new cases, while 161 new infections were in people who were fully vaccinated.

Just over 88% of eligible Ontarians have had a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine while 84.5% have had two doses.

aartuso@postmedia.com