Saint Francis’ parent makes Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory

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Saint Francis parent Trinity Health announced that effective immediately, the nationwide health ministry will require all colleagues, clinical staff, contractors, and those conducting business in its health care facilities to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

A release stated that individuals not getting vaccinations for anything other than religious or health reasons will lose their jobs.

St. Francis operates a hospital and health care practices  in Wilmington

The requirement applies to Trinity Health’s more than 117,000 employees in 22 states nationwide. The need to stop the spread of the virus and keep all patients, colleagues, communities safe was cited. 

To date, the health system estimates that nearly 75% of Trinity Health employees have already received at least one dose of the vaccine. Trinity hopes to close that gap with the new requirement.

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“Safety is a core value at Trinity Health; part of our mission as caregivers is to protect the people we serve,” says James Woodward, CEO of Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic. “Vaccination against Covid-19 is part of our multifaceted strategy to help stop the pandemic and protect our communities.”

“The science is clear—vaccination against COVID-19 is saving lives,” says Sharon Carney, MD, chief clinical officer for Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic. “It’s the right thing to do. As a healthcare system and as caregivers, it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment for our colleagues, patients and communities.”

Employees at Trinity Health and its Health Ministries must meet a series of rolling deadlines, with most locations requiring them to submit proof of vaccination by Sept. 21, 2021.

It has not yet been determined if a COVID-19 vaccine booster will be required annually, but if so, employees will also need to submit proof of the booster as needed.

Exemptions are available for religious or health reasons and must be formally requested, documented, and approved. Employees who do not meet the criteria for exemption and fail to show proof of vaccination will have their employment terminated.

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