Geisinger demands COVID-19 vaccine for all employees

DANVILLE, Pennsylvania. – Today, 18 months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and facing a new wave of infections, hospitalizations and deaths, Geisinger announces that all employees will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by now October 15. Rooted in values ​​of safety and high quality care, the decision requiring employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine follows months of in-depth study and discussion.

“Based on overwhelming evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, we believe it is the right decision at the right time to protect our patients and employees and slow the spread of this deadly virus in our communities. communities, ”said Jaewon Ryu, MD, JD, president and CEO of Geisinger. “We understand that some employees who have deliberately chosen not to be vaccinated may be disappointed by this decision. We hope they understand that this is a necessary step to protect the health of our patients and their colleagues. “

In addition to current employees, the COVID-19 vaccine requirement includes all new employees, faculty, medical staff, residents, fellows, temporary workers, interns, volunteers, students, and temporary staff, regardless of the employer. Employees must complete a series of Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines by October 15. All new employees will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment starting October 15.

“With new variants taking hold, causing the number of COVID-19 to increase locally, nationally and in our hospitals, our communities cannot afford healthcare workers to be out of work due to COVID- 19, ”Ryu said. “Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our employees have worked tirelessly, under difficult and unprecedented circumstances, to continue to provide world-class care to our friends and neighbors, and that now includes demanding our employees that they receive the COVID-19 vaccine. ”

An exemption process is available for employees who have a documented and very specific medical reason or a sincere religious belief that prevents them from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Geisinger has similar vaccination requirements so that employees are protected against viruses like influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis and more.

Today’s announcement aligns with the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, American Hospital Association, American Medical Group Association, American College of Physicians, American Nurses Association, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and many others who have strongly recommended COVID-19 vaccine requirements for healthcare workers. Geisinger stands alongside these respected organizations by putting the safety of its patients and staff at the forefront.

Currently, around 70 percent of Geisinger employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. These employees and all those who meet the COVID-19 vaccine requirements by October 15 show a commitment to our values ​​and ensure the safety of our patients, communities and colleagues. As a thank you for living out Geisinger’s values, all non-executive management employees who meet COVID-19 vaccine requirements or receive an approved exemption will receive a one-time bonus of $ 500 at the end of October.

In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, Geisinger continues to monitor other safety measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including requiring masks in all buildings, limiting visits and reducing capacity in public spaces to encourage physical distancing. For the latest COVID information, including Geisinger’s policies, visit geisinger.org/coronavirus.