UnityPoint Health announced Thursday that all of its more than 30,000 employees will be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.According to a news release, the requirement extends to every employee regardless of whether they provide patient care.Staff vaccinations must be completed by Nov. 1.“The COVID vaccine is safe and effective in terms of preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death,” UnityPoint Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Dave Williams said in a statement. “The continued wave of infections throughout the country make it clear we are not done fighting this pandemic, which means more people need to get vaccinated, especially before an anticipated increase of respiratory illnesses this fall.” UnityPoint said staff members who choose not to receive COVID-19 will be subject to voluntary resignation or termination. Exemptions will be made for staff members with religious or medical excuses. Pregnant employees are strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine but are not required to do so.
West Des Moines, Iowa —
UnityPoint Health announced Thursday that all of its more than 30,000 employees will be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
According to a news release, the requirement extends to every employee regardless of whether they provide patient care.
Staff vaccinations must be completed by Nov. 1.
“The COVID vaccine is safe and effective in terms of preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death,” UnityPoint Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Dave Williams said in a statement. “The continued wave of infections throughout the country make it clear we are not done fighting this pandemic, which means more people need to get vaccinated, especially before an anticipated increase of respiratory illnesses this fall.”
UnityPoint said staff members who choose not to receive COVID-19 will be subject to voluntary resignation or termination.
Exemptions will be made for staff members with religious or medical excuses. Pregnant employees are strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine but are not required to do so.