Connecticut hospitals on Thursday said they are backing a policy that will require their workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA), the lobbying arm of the state’s hospitals, said it has adopted a consensus, statewide policy endorsing mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for hospital and health system employees and clinical staff.
A CHA spokesperson said Connecticut hospitals are committed to implementing the policy.
“Hospitals are leaders in Connecticut’s response to the pandemic and we believe taking this step is in further support of public health and the safety of our patients and workforce,” said Jennifer Jackson, CEO of the association. “The science is clear, vaccines are safe and effective, and are proving to be the best way to eliminate the spread of COVID-19 in our state.”
The policy is similar to one Connecticut hospitals adopted 10 years ago when they required employees to receive the flu vaccine, CHA said.
Vaccine mandates have become a hot-button issue for employers, but legal experts have been increasingly suggesting that employers have the right to mandate vaccinations.
However, many businesses have opted to recommend vaccinations rather than mandate them.
