New York-Presbyterian mandates staff to be vaccinated for COVID-19

New York-Presbyterian announced Friday it would require all staff to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Other New York City health systems have declined to enact mandates, preferring to leave employees to choose on their own while working with them to overcome any hesitancy.

New York-Presbyterian staff must have received their first dose of the vaccine no later than Sept. 1, according to its memo. The mandate applies to employees, physicians, students, clinical rotators, volunteers and vendors, including those newly hired. Those who cannot be vaccinated for medical or religious reasons, or pregnancy, must apply for an exemption by Aug. 1. Individuals who receive exemptions will be frequently tested for COVID-19, according to the memo, which could mean as often as every 3 to 7 days if the health system follows the most recent CDC guidance for healthcare providers.

Compliance with the mandate—either by vaccination or exemption—is required for continued employment, the memo stated.

“As a leading healthcare organization, we believe it is essential to require vaccinations to protect our patients and ourselves against the threat of further harm from the pandemic and the possibility of more dangerous mutations,” said Dr. Steven Corwin, president and CEO, and Dr. Laura Forese, executive vice president and chief operating officer.