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(Undated) -- MercyOne is announcing it will require its staff to be vaccinated against coronavirus. There are exceptions for those with strong held religious beliefs or medical reasons. Last week, Unity Point Health-Iowa also announced it would be requiring its employees be vaccinated.
“As a faith-based health ministry, we have pledged to protect the most vulnerable. Our patients
and their families expect us to provide a safe environment for their care, and that includes being
vaccinated,” said MercyOne CEO Bob Ritz.
“The safety of our patients, residents, colleagues, physicians and communities is a top priority
for us,” said MercyOne Chief Medical Executive Dr. Hijinio Carreon. “With more than 350 million
doses administered in the United States, we know the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and the
single most effective tool in slowing, and even stopping, the spread of virus and saving lives.”
MercyOne staff following the Trinity Health vaccine requirement must submit proof of vaccination by Sept. 21, 2021.
MercyOne employees in the Central Iowa and Northeast Iowa regions, and MercyOne Elkader Medical Center must submit proof by Nov. 1, 2021.