Here’s where Rockford-area businesses stand on mandatory COVID vaccination for employees – Rockford Register Star

ROCKFORD Two of the citys three hospitals are requiring their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 while some of the areas largest businesses are strongly encouraging but not mandating their workers get the vaccine.

OSF HealthCare announced July 21 that it will require all of its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of September.

We did not make this decision lightly, OSF HealthCare Chief Operating Officer Dr. Mike Cruz said in a news release.As health care providers, it is our ethical obligation to be vigilant about the safety of our patients. Vaccinations are credited with the decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases across the country and throughout our ministry, and we firmly believe that vaccination against COVID-19 is the best way to keep our patients and mission partners safe.

OSF HealthCare policies also require employees to get a flu shot annually and stay current with other vaccinations including measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough. Exemptions are available for religious conscience or medical reasons.

More: Rockford doctors tout vaccines, mask usage as COVID-19 cases spike due to delta variant

SwedishAmerican Hospital, a division of UW Health, updated its vaccination policy on Aug. 4 to require COVID-19 vaccination for all employed providers and staff.

The safety of our patients and our associates is our top priority at SwedishAmerican, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Polizzotto said in a news release. COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe and effective in preventing transmission and for those who do contract COVID-19, the vaccines reduce the possibility of serious illness, hospitalizations or even death. As we confront the rapid spread of COVID-19 driven by the delta variant, we want to do everything possible to protect our staff, our patients and our community.

Staff members who have a medical condition that prevents them from being vaccinated can file for an exemption and exemptions for religious convictions may also be filed.

Mercyhealth does not require its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

"Mercyhealth strongly encourages all partners to get the COVID-19 vaccine and leadership continues to evaluate mandating the vaccine, Mercyhealth chief medical officer Dr. John Dorsey said in an email.

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Representatives of some of the Rockford areas largest employers provided statements regarding their COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees:

From the onset of the vaccine availability, Woodward has strongly encouraged its members to get vaccinated. Woodward has had a global coronavirus response team in place for 17 months, meeting at least weekly to monitor COVID conditions at our locations around the world, to make or review policy decisions regarding COVID safety protocols for those facilities, as well as review local guidelines and policies. As you can imagine, our recommendations are always evolving based on whats happening with the statistics and our members.Paul Benson, vice president of human resources at Woodward

Since vaccines have become available, Stellantis has continued to strongly advocate for our employees to get vaccinated. To facilitate vaccine administration, we have coordinated vaccine clinics in the communities where we have manufacturing facilities through our near-site clinics and in partnership with local unions. At this time, we will not be mandating vaccines, but will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate the appropriate actions to take in the best interest of employee health and safety. Jodi Tinson, Stellantis spokesperson

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In certain U.S. office locations where employees have been working remotely, UPSers must be vaccinated when they return to the office. These office environments are very different than our operating facilities, which have been safely staffed in-person since the beginning and throughout the pandemic. In all UPS locations, we encourage employees to get vaccinated. The CDC reports that the risk of hospitalization from the delta variant drops 25-fold after someone has been vaccinated. We have ensured that all of our employees are informed about the importance of vaccination through our 'Its Your Shot'internal communication campaign. We have also been facilitating access to the vaccines for our employees and their families, where needed, given the often after-hours shifts many of our people work to staff our global network. Matthew OConnor, UPS senior manager of media relations

In response to rising COVID-19 transmission rates, Raytheon Technologies is aligning to the CDCs latest guidance and will require all employees in substantial- or high-transmission areas to wear a face covering while working onsite in all U.S. facilities. Employees who have not voluntarily disclosed being fully vaccinated will still be required to wear a face covering. We strongly encourage our employees to get vaccinated. Megan Strader, senior media relations specialist, Collins Aerospace

More: Here are some places you'll be asked to wear a mask again in the Rockford region

Ken DeCoster: kdecoster@rrstar.com; @DeCosterKen

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Here's where Rockford-area businesses stand on mandatory COVID vaccination for employees - Rockford Register Star