All 26,000 employees at Houston Methodist Hospital will be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, according to an announcement Wednesday.
Carole Hackett, senior vice president and chief human resources officer, says 84 percent of the staff has already been vaccinated, and total inoculation is expected by June.
Only workers with religious or medical issues may be exempt from the policy, which could lead to discipline or termination, Hackett said.
The flu vaccine is already required for Houston Methodist employees, as it is with many other hospitals and medical facilities.
In an email to managers, Dr. Marc Boom, the hospital system's president and CEO, said, "When we choose to be vaccinated against COVID-19, we are prioritizing safety by helping stop the spread of this deadly virus and keeping our patients, visitors and colleagues safe." Boom said managers who have not been vaccinated have until April 15 to receive at least one dose or get an exemption.
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