🎥 Kansas hospital announces vaccine requirement for its employees

KANSAS CITY, Kansas – The University of Kansas Health System today informed employees in its Kansas City division that COVID-19 vaccines will be required for employees, volunteers, students, temporary workers or contractors working at facilities in the Kansas City area; and for all University of Kansas Doctors.

The health system, like other academic medical centers across the country, has studied CDC data and advice to inform policy. Health system leaders used a careful and thoughtful process before making the decision to require our employees and doctors to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Evidence has shown that vaccines offer the best protection against serious infections, hospitalization and death. As area hospitals see increased hospitalizations and COVID -19 positive cases, and with the recent full approval of the Pfizer vaccine by the FDA, the University of Kansas health system has felt it is time. to take this next step.

While vaccination rates in Kansas and Missouri remain below 50%, the University of Kansas health system continues to support efforts to educate about the safety and importance of vaccinations. A majority of our physicians and staff have already chosen to be vaccinated, and they strongly encourage our patients, their friends and family to be vaccinated as well.

“We are always committed to providing the best and safest care to our patients,” said Tammy Peterman, RN, FAAN, Kansas City Division President for the University of Kansas Health System. “We know we are making the right decision for our organization, our employees, our patients and our physicians. We continue to strongly encourage everyone in our community to get immunized. “

This requirement is similar to other job requirements, including influenza vaccinations and being up to date on MMR and tetanus inoculation, all of which help keep patients and staff safe.

Those who are not yet fully vaccinated will have until December 1 to complete a vaccination schedule recommended by the CDC (or WHO). The healthcare system appreciates the variety of opinions expressed on this topic and will continue to discuss their thoughts and questions with employees before the December 1 deadline.