CMH rescinds COVID vaccine mandate for employees
Contact: Sarah Bello
Revocation follows guidance from state and federal agencies
Following guidance released from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Columbia Memorial Hospital has dropped its COVID vaccine requirement for employees.
Based on current levels of transmission and immunity worldwide, a vaccine mandate is no longer necessary, say the organizations. CMH was first required to mandate the vaccine by the OHA from October 18, 2021, and onward, to boost immunity and protect vulnerable populations.
“The original vaccine mandate from the OHA specified that health care workers must receive the initial two-vaccine series approved by the FDA,” says Nicole Williams, COO. “Since then, none of the boosters have been required to be counted as a ‘fully-vaccinated employee.’
“We have followed the guidance from state and federal agencies from the start of the pandemic. Dropping the mandate now, based on their recommendations, makes sense. We hope it will help us fill some of our open positions and ease the staffing challenges we’ve experienced over the past several years.”
CMH employees will continue to provide safe, high-quality care to all patients through daily hygiene practices and infection prevention measures, such as handwashing, use of PPE when necessary, practicing respiratory/cough etiquette, sterilizing equipment, etc.
The vaccination mandate’s end is effective immediately at CMH.