UW Health to Require COVID-19 Vaccine for All Employees

MADISON, Wisconsin – All UW Health employees will need to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the supplier said on Wednesday.

A press release says that in addition to staff, all faculty, students, volunteers and other affiliates will need to be vaccinated.

The updated policy is similar to the health system’s requirement for annual influenza vaccinations. About 90% of UW Health staff have already completed the COVID vaccine series, but the healthcare provider says there is room for improvement.

“COVID-19 vaccines are safe,” UW Health told employees, according to internal communications obtained by News 3 Now. “More than four billion doses have been administered worldwide with an extremely low frequency of serious side effects. They are very effective in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 and its variants. And for those who contract COVID-19, they dramatically reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death. COVID-19 vaccines are the most powerful tool in our efforts to end this pandemic. “

The updated vaccination policy will go into effect on September 1. The deadline for receiving the first dose of vaccine will be October 1, and employees should receive the second dose or a single dose of vaccine by November 1.

“Vaccination is an essential step to keep you, your family and our community safe during this pandemic,” the letter reads to employees. “We must do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and its variants, ensure a healthy workforce, and continue to move forward in our quest to end the pandemic. “

Staff members with a medical condition preventing them from being vaccinated can apply for an exemption with written documents and the signature of their doctor. Employees can also request exemptions for religious beliefs.

The policy change comes the same week that the Wisconsin Medical Society urged all healthcare providers to impose the COVID vaccine.

UW Health is joining SSM Health in demanding that employees and partners get vaccinated, while Dane County and the City of Madison also made the demand this week.

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