In a surprising move, Providence Hospital System has announced a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all its employees, regardless of prior vaccination status. The directive, communicated through the InOurCircle app, the hospital's internal news platform, stipulates that failure to comply could lead to unpaid leave or, in extreme cases, termination.
As per the announcement, the requirement comes in light of rising COVID-19 cases and the efficacy demonstrated by the latest vaccines against emerging strains. The policy mandates caregivers to receive the most recent COVID-19 vaccine, recently granted Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA on September 12.
The Providence family of organizations, a prominent network of not-for-profit healthcare entities across the United States, encompasses over 50 hospitals, 1,000 clinics, and boasts a workforce of 120,000 employees. Operating in seven states, this Catholic healthcare system plays a crucial role in the nation's healthcare landscape.
Employees are expected to furnish proof of vaccination by November 30th. Those opting not to get vaccinated have the option to submit a declination form. However, individuals failing to adhere to the November 30 deadline may face removal from schedules, placement on unpaid leave, and, in severe cases, termination for persistent non-compliance.
Remote caregivers, who do not report to a physical office, are encouraged but not mandated to receive the vaccine.
The policy leaves employees, referred to as “caregivers,” with a critical decision. Those who opt not to get vaccinated, whether due to medical, religious, or personal reasons, may potentially face job loss. This development has prompted questions about the organization's commitment to the health and well-being of all, particularly those considered vulnerable and in need.
The updated COVID-19 vaccines bring a significant shift. No matter how many previous vaccinations or boosters you've had, the latest version is now mandatory. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York affirmed this in a recent press conference.
According to reports from The Gateway Pundit, Governor Hochul delivered a stark message to those who've received previous vaccines: the old formula doesn't safeguard against new variants.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted approval and emergency use authorization (EUA) for updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for 2023-2024. This development underscores the FDA's acknowledgment that earlier versions were not effective against newer strains like Omicron XBB.1.5.
Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to think beyond themselves, emphasizing that collective effort has been essential since March 2020. She cautioned against relying on past vaccinations, emphasizing that they won't provide protection this time around. “Even for healthy adults, COVID is serious, you don’t want to get it,” she concluded.
Read more at www.thegatewaypundit.com
