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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Some UCHealth Employees Tell 13 Investigations they are furious at the new health system requirement to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
UCHealth announced on Wednesday that employees who do not get vaccinated by October 1 could be made redundant.
Employees who wish to remain anonymous said they did not think they should be mandated to obtain a vaccine that is not fully approved by the FDA. An employee tells 13 Investigations the vast health care system takes away their power and rights by not giving them a choice if they want to keep their jobs.
“Vaccination is extremely important for us to use,” Dr. Michelle Barron, of UCHealth, told our partners at 9News.
If employees are not vaccinated by September 3, they will receive a disciplinary notice. 85% of UCHealth employees across the state are already fully immunized, according to a spokesperson.
UCHealth employees can request a medical or religious vaccine exemption. If an employee is granted this exemption by the hospital system, they will need to wear a mask and be tested for COVID-19 every week.
“I anticipate that some people will choose to make alternative plans for what they are doing, but hopefully they will understand that the ultimate intention is for their safety,” said Barron.
A similar vaccine requirement at a Houston hospital sparked protests in June. 153 people have been or completely terminated from hospital in Texas after refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The former employees are now appealing a judge’s decision to dismiss their lawsuit against the hospital.
Whitney Traylor, a legal expert for 9 News, said he expects a similar lawsuit to be filed
“These employees are at least in Colorado. If they don’t have a contract, which most employees don’t, it’s up to the employees. Now, that doesn’t mean they can be fired for any reason. The catch is that the employer has to provide a safe environment, ”explained Traylor.
UCHealth isn’t the only hospital in Colorado that will require employee vaccination.
Denver Health and Banner Health are forcing its employees to get vaccinated by November 1.
The Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center has also said its healthcare workers are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
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