Photo: Unity Point-Health
(Undated) - Unity Point Health is requiring its employees to get a coronavirus vaccine by November 1st The requirement is for Unity Point's 33-thousand employees, regardless of whether they provide direct patient care or not.
Those who do not get a vaccine will be subject to voluntary resignation or termination. Employees can request an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Pregnant employees will be strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, but a temporary deferral will be available.
The health system, which operates in Iowa, western Illinois and southern Wisconsin is also urging all eligible individuals to get their COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.
“We remain incredibly grateful to our health care providers, who have seen the devastation of COVID-19 up close and personal over the past 18 months,” said Clay Holderman, President and CEO of UnityPoint Health. “After thoughtful consideration, we believe this vaccination requirement will help keep our team members, patients and communities as healthy as possible, so we can focus on what we do best—delivering exceptional care to those we serve.”
“The COVID vaccine is safe and effective in terms of preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death,” said Dr. Dave Williams, Chief Clinical Officer of UnityPoint Health. “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.”