Earlier this week, 60 medical organizations including the American Nurses Association and the American Medical Association called for mandatory vaccinations for healthcare workers.
In Indiana, seven hospitals and hospital systems require COVID-19 vaccinations for staff. The Indiana Health Association says it expects “additional announcements in the coming weeks.”
Dr. Jim Bien is the Chief Medical Officer with IU Health Arnett, which announced mandatory vaccinations for staff in June. He said the hospital system currently has about 70 percent compliance - with people either submitting proof of vaccination or a waiver.
“No one should come into a facility, a healthcare facility, and be at risk of acquiring COVID from somebody who is caring for them, delivering their food, or cleaning the environment,” he said.
Bien said 100 percent of staff will need to be in compliance by September 1st.
Other hospitals with vaccine mandates include Deaconess, Franciscan Health, and, as of this week, Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis.