Midnight (Sep. 27) was the deadline for hospital staff in New York to get their first dose of covid-19 vaccine.
To help with potential shortages, Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order significantly expanding the available workforce.
The order allows for additional health personnel to administer tests and immunizations.
Hochul also directed a new 24/7 command center to monitor and troubleshoot any issues with staffing.
New York State’s first-in-the-nation mandate was issued on August 15. Since then:
- Nursing home staff with at least one dose increased to 92%, up from 70%;
- Adult care facility staff with at least one dose increased to 89%, up from 76%;
- Hospital staff with at least one dose increased to 84%, up from 77% — 92% have one dose.
Guthrie boasts a nearly 97% compliance rate, including 100% of all physicians.
Additionally, the vaccine is now a condition of employment for all new Guthrie hires.
“Vaccination is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death,” said Dr. Edmund Sabanegh, President and CEO. “By putting this requirement in place, we took an important step to ensure patient safety and protect our colleagues on the front lines of care.”
Cayuga Health president/CEO Dr. Martin Stallone said:
“The vaccine requirement from New York State will not seriously impact our health system….we hope that those who have chosen to remain unvaccinated will rejoin our organization when this pandemic is over or if they change their mind. We value every person and their individual decisions regarding vaccination.”
For those who did not meet the deadline, a week-long suspension is underway.
Each can either receive their first dose in the coming days, or file for an approved medical exemption.
Employees not on the job due to FMLA or quarantine must be compliant with vaccination before returning.
