Regulated healthcare professionals, including Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs/MTs), were identified as a priority group for the COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario’s vaccine rollout. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you, your clients and the greater community.

For information about vaccine safety and efficacy, please refer to the Government of Ontario’s information on COVID-19 vaccines. To learn about how to book a vaccination appointment as an RMT, please visit www.ontario.ca/bookvaccine, or check your local Public Health Unit’s website.

Near the end of May, the Ontario Government has announced that it would accelerate second doses for people who already received their first dose. The timing of your second dose will depend on when you received your first dose, which vaccine you received (i.e., Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca), supply and/or your age. Learn more about getting your second dose.

While it’s encouraging to see increased vaccination rates throughout Ontario, RMTs are reminded that regardless of whether they and/or their clients have been vaccinated, RMTs must continue to follow all requirements outlined in CMTO’s COVID-19 Pandemic – Practice Guidance for Massage Therapists to continue preventing the spread of COVID-19. This includes following requirements and protocols for active screening, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other infection prevention and control (IPAC) measures.

RMTs are also encouraged to support the Government of Ontario’s evidence-informed vaccination campaign. While discussing the COVID-19 vaccine in detail or providing advice about types of vaccines is not within the Scope of Practice for Massage Therapy, RMTs are encouraged to help counter vaccine hesitancy. RMTs can refer clients to their primary healthcare provider (e.g., the client’s physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse) or the Ontario Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 vaccines page for information. CMTO will continue to monitor provincial guidance and will update RMTs as needed.

RMTs are encouraged to regularly check CMTO’s COVID-19 webpage and vaccine-related FAQs for the latest information. If you have questions after reviewing the information on our website, please contact CMTO’s Practice Specialist at practicespecialist@cmto.com or by phone at 416-489-2626/1-800-465-1933 extension 4124.

Thank you for your continued hard work and dedication to protecting your clients, communities and Ontarians.