Valleywise, Dignity Health: All employees must be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1

article

Nurses and doctors work on the COVID floor at Valleywise Hospital.

PHOENIX - Valleywise and Dignity Health say all of their employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by Nov. 1.

The public hospital systems say they will exempt workers with specific religious and medical reasons.

"We care for populations hardest hit by the pandemic and we have a responsibility to take every measure possible to ensure the safest care environment," said Steve Purves, president and CEO of Valleywise Health. "The evidence is compelling and clear: Available vaccines are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19, especially the severe illness and death it can cause. Vaccines also reduce the risk people will spread the virus that causes COVID19."

With COVID-19 cases rising across Arizona, Valleywise recently announced it is back up to two COVID-19 units.

Both Valleywise and Dignity Health say they will exempt workers with specific religious and medical reasons.

"As health care providers we have a responsibility to help end this pandemic and protect our patients, our colleagues, and those in our communities," Dignity Health said in a statement on August 12. "Requiring vaccination for our teams is critical to maintaining a safe care environment."

The decision mirrors the ones made by Banner Health and HonorHealth, both Arizona-based hospital chains that are requiring employees to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1 as a condition of employment. The Mayo Clinic is requiring all employees to be vaccinated by Sept. 17 or complete an opt-out process and wear masks at all times.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.