(Submitted by Baystate Health Systems)
SPRINGFIELD – Baystate Health Systems has successfully implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy announced in July.
More than 99% -or 12,593 of Baystate employees are now in compliance. As of October 1, of the 12,593 employees in compliance, 419 received medical or religious exemptions. There are 145 of nearly 13,000 employees who are currently not compliant with the policy. Any employees not in compliance have been placed on unpaid administrative leave
and will have two weeks to get vaccinated if they wish to continue their employment. Employees who have been partially vaccinated are continuing to work and must get their second dose as soon as they are eligible to stay in compliance with the policy.
Dr. Mark A. Keroack, president & CEO of Baystate Health, noted the COVID-19 vaccine provides
a critical and necessary path forward for public health.
“Getting vaccinated is the single most important and responsible step each of us can take to put an end to this devastating pandemic and protect patients, families and each other,” said Keroack.
“The safety and efficacy of rigorously tested, FDA approved or authorized vaccines in preventing serious illness and death are clear. The best way to keep our care environment safe for both patients and caregivers during the current pandemic is the highly-effective and safe COVID-19 vaccine. That is why we decided to make vaccination a condition of employment,” Keroack added
“I have had to weigh the pain of what will be workers losing their jobs against my personal responsibility to provide the safest environment for patients, which is best assured by a remarkably safe and effective vaccine. I want to thank our employees who proactively took this important step to assuring their personal health, the health of their colleagues, and the safety of patients and the community,” he added.
Baystate Health over the last several months has conducted an extensive and respectful process for concerned employees to answer all questions related to the vaccine, provide emotional support in decision making, ensure that vaccines are easy to obtain, and address special concerns or requests for exemptions.
“We recognize that some employees have remained steadfast in their decision to not be vaccinated, but we must put safety first and follow through with our mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. We appreciate the support we have received from our team members, patients and community in moving forward with this decision,” said Dr. Keroack.
In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, a number of vaccinations are already mandatory for employment, including measles, mumps, rubella and influenza. For more information on Baystate Health, visit BaystateHealth.org.