Nurse Expresses Concern Over Houston Methodist Mandatory Vaccine Policy For Employees

BAYTOWN, Texas – A nurse over the age of six in Houston Methodist Baytown, who does not want to be identified, said she is not happy with the hospital’s policy of requiring vaccination of all employees against COVID-19.

“A lot of people are nervous. They think it’s too early to make it mandatory. It should be a choice. We just don’t feel comfortable. If we are not comfortable with that, don’t force us to do it, ”said the nurse.

In fact, the nurse created a petition containing approximately 100 signatures in support of the new policy that could mean termination if employees do not meet the deadline by June 7, unless they have an exemption for religious or medical reasons.

“We don’t want to be threatened or harassed right now. We want more research. We want more time. We want it approved by the FDA.”

“It’s about protecting our patients and we have a sacred obligation to protect our patients,” said Marc Boom MD, president and CEO of Houston Methodist.

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Boom said of its nearly 26,000 employees, about 84 percent have been vaccinated. He added, in the end, that the policy is to keep people safe.

“COVID is a very dangerous disease for our employees, for their colleagues, and particularly for our patients, and we owe it to our patients to protect them,” Boom said.

“The EEOC is fine with demanding it because it is in the best interest of the community,” said attorney Sophia George.

But can a company demand that it be specifically vaccinated if the FDA has only received emergency use authorization?

George said legally speaking, that they can.

“Just because it’s no longer FDA approved doesn’t mean it’s outside the scope of the employer to force it,” George said.