BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE REQUIRING ALL EMPLOYEES TO RECEIVE COVID-19 VACCINE
Starting this fall, Baylor Scott & White will require personnel to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
The healthcare organization said in a press release today (Wednesday) that by October 1st, all employees, providers, volunteers, vendors, students and contract staff must receive both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, unless they are granted an exemption.
The release cited rising COVID-19 case counts, the Delta variant and the approach of flu season as factors in the decision to require vaccinations, stating that the “overwhelming majority” of new cases are among the unvaccinated. The release said, “We believe now is the right time to take the next step in achieving a fully vaccinated workforce.”
As of Tuesday, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) estimated 100 active cases in Washington County. Aside from a report of 104 active cases on July 23rd, the last time the county exceeded 100 active cases was when it reported 101 on May 2nd.
According to DSHS, 44.27 percent of Washington County’s eligible population is fully vaccinated. Approximately 74.27 percent of residents 65 and older in Washington County are fully vaccinated.
The full statement from Baylor Scott and White can be read below:
With rapidly rising COVID-19 case counts due to the highly contagious Delta variant and the start of the flu season fast approaching, we believe now is the right time to take the next step in achieving a fully vaccinated workforce.
By Oct. 1, 2021, all Baylor Scott & White Health employees, providers, volunteers, vendors, students and contract staff must receive both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, unless granted an exemption.
The Delta variant is the most contagious and dangerous strain we have seen to date, leading to exponentially increasing rates of severe illness and hospitalization. The overwhelming majority of these cases are among the unvaccinated.
We are committed to making the communities we serve healthier. Whether you are a patient, family member or employee, you can be assured that we have taken every measure to protect you.