Waterbury HEALTH Mandates COVID-19 Vaccine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information

Aug. 23, 2021.                                                                        Contact: Lauresha Xhihani

Lauresha.Xhihani@wtbyhosp.org,

203.573.6717

WATERBURY, Conn. - As of Sept. 30, 2021, COVID-19 vaccination will be mandatory for all Waterbury HEALTH healthcare workers and staff (including employees, medical staff, volunteers, students, contractors and traveling staff). This mandate is effective at all Prospect Waterbury HEALTH locations.

Waterbury HEALTH is among several healthcare organizations in Connecticut to mandate the vaccine for healthcare workers following endorsements from local and national associations. The Connecticut Hospital Association announced on June 24, 2021, that it endorses COVID-19 vaccinations for hospital and health system employees. Furthermore, on July 26, the American Medical Association announced their support of vaccine mandates for healthcare workers. Today the US Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the Pfizer vaccine.

“Waterbury HEALTH led the state with its better than 86 percent vaccination rate for employees. We want to continue leading by example with this policy. Since the first vaccines were made available in December 2020, we have encouraged employees to get vaccinated, as public health role models, and as caregivers concerned about the safety of patients, fellow employees, families, and communities. Waterbury HEALTH is committed to offering our patients high-quality, safe care, and our employees and staff a safe workplace,” said Lester P. Schindel, President and CEO of Waterbury HEALTH.

Waterbury HEALTH will allow for exemptions to the policy, but all individuals who are approved for an exemption (whether for a medical reason or religious/spiritual belief), will be required to get weekly COVID-19 testing for an indefinite period.

Most staff members have already been vaccinated but given our mission to serve and protect our patients, Waterbury HEALTH needs to pursue a 100% vaccination rate to ensure the safest possible working environment and to minimize the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

About Waterbury HEALTH

Waterbury HEALTH which includes Waterbury Hospital, Alliance Medical Group, Cardiology Associates, VNA Health at Home, Greater Waterbury Imaging Partners and Access Rehab Centers, offers comprehensive healthcare services including primary care, emergency and acute care, and home healthcare. Serving Waterbury and 11 surrounding communities in Western Connecticut, Waterbury HEALTH is a member of Prospect Medical Holdings Inc., a national family of hospitals and healthcare networks.