Trinity Health Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for All Colleagues

Saint Alphonsus is a member of the Catholic health system

Trinity Health today announced effective immediately, the national health system will require all colleagues, clinical staff, contractors, and those conducting business in its health care facilities be vaccinated against COVID-19. The requirement applies to Trinity Health’s more than 117,000 employees in 21 states nationwide in an effort stop the spread of the virus and keep all patients, colleagues and the broader communities safe. Saint Alphonsus will require vaccinations for all colleagues in Idaho and encourages vaccines for its colleagues in Oregon, as Oregon law does not permit healthcare employers from requiring vaccinations.

Since December 2020, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first vaccine for Emergency Use Authorization, Trinity Health has strongly encouraged vaccination for all colleagues and within the communities its various Health Ministries serve. To date, the health system estimates nearly 75% of Trinity Health employees have already received at least one dose of the vaccine, and it now looks to close the gap with this new requirement.

“Safety is one of our core values and because of our commitment to providing safe care, ensuring our colleagues and providers are vaccinated is what is required at this time. We must trust the science and live up to our core values,” said Odette Bolano, President and CEO of Saint Alphonsus Health System.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate more than 331 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the U.S. The vaccines have proven to be safe and effective against symptomatic infections, hospitalizations and death with more than 99% of COVID-19 deaths today occurring in unvaccinated people.

“Getting the COVID vaccine is the right thing for every adult and child that qualifies,” said Dr. Steven Nemerson, Chief Clinical Officer for Saint Alphonsus Health System. “Saint Alphonsus Health System is proud to do its part in protecting our patients, their families, and our community by ensuring that all of our caregivers will be fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, the harmful and potentially deadly virus that causes COVID-19. Just as our colleagues are required to receive annual flu vaccines to work in our facilities, we know that vaccination is the single most effective tool in preventing the transmission of COVID, keeping our facilities COVID-free, and saving lives. The safety and efficacy of the vaccines is clearly established, and most of our colleagues in Idaho and Oregon have already voluntarily received their vaccines.”

Employees at Trinity Health and its Health Ministries must meet a series of rolling deadlines, with all required to submit proof of vaccination by September 21, 2021. It has not yet been determined if a COVID-19 vaccine booster will be required annually, but if so, employees will also need to submit proof of the booster as needed. Exemptions are available for religious or health reasons and must be formally requested, documented and approved. Employees who do not meet criteria for exemption and fail to show proof of vaccination will have their employment terminated.