EUGENE, Ore. – Starting at the end of the month, all PeaceHealth caregivers will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a qualifying medical exemption, company officials say.
Those who are unvaccinated will have to undergo regular COVID-19 testing, follow additional masking protocols, and be prepared for the possibility of being reassigned to non-patient care settings.
“Though nearly 80% of PeaceHealth caregivers have already been vaccinated, the rise in hospitalizations in our communities is a stark reminder that we are facing a public health emergency and we must do more,” said Dr. Doug Koekkoek, PeaceHealth’s Chief Physician Executive.
Oregon law prevents hospitals from requiring vaccinations as a condition of employment. However, Kaiser Permanente and Oregon Health & Science University have also announced plans to require COVID-19 vaccinations in the state, according to a report from KGW.
PeaceHealth officials say they are committed to ensuring patients receive safe care.
