Employees of St. Francis not covered by the KU Health COVID-19 vaccine warrant

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TOPEKA, Canada (WIBW) – While those working in the KU Health Systems division of Kansas City are due to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 1, those working on the St. Louis campus. Francis in Topeka are not required to do so.

The University of Kansas Health Systems announced Wednesday that it would require employees, volunteers, students, temporary workers and contractors in its Kansas City division to be vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as all University of Kansas physicians. However, the mandate does not extend to his San Francisco de Topeka campus.

“Today’s announcement about a vaccine warrant does not apply to St. Paul’s campus staff. Francis. Our focus has been to provide ongoing training and encourage staff to urge them to get the vaccine. How to [Sept. 1], 70.3% of our employees are completely vaccinated. We continue to make vaccines available to staff and resolve any questions or concerns you may have, “said Steve Anderson, general manager of the University of Kansas’ St. Francis Campus.” Our primary goal is to keep our people safe. partners, patients and visitors. We appreciate the work of our employees to help us achieve this goal. “

The KU health system said that, like other academic medical centers across the nation, it studied CDC data and guidelines to report on the new Kansas City region policy. Leaders used a thorough and thoughtful process before making the decision to require vaccinations.

According to KU Health leadership, the evidence shows that vaccines offer the best protection against serious infections, hospitalization, and deaths as a result of COVID-19. As hospitals across the region see increasing hospitalizations with positive COVID cases, and with the recent full FDA approval for the Pfizer vaccine, the leadership of KU Health Systems decided it was time to take that next step.

While vaccination rates in Kansas and Missouri remain below 50%, the health care system continues to support efforts to educate the public about the safety and importance of vaccines. Management said most doctors and employees have already opted to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and strongly encourage their patients, friends and family to do the same.

“We are always committed to providing the best and safest care to our patients,” said Tammy Peterman, RN, FAAN, president of the Kansas City Division of the University of Kansas Health System. “We know we make the right decision for our organization, our employees, our patients and the doctors. We continue to strongly encourage everyone in our community to get vaccinated. “

According to KU Health, the Kansas City requirement is similar to employment requirements, including flu vaccines and being up to date on MMR and tetanus vaccines, ensuring patient and staff safety.

Those who are not fully vaccinated in the Kansas City division will have until Dec. 1 to complete a full vaccination regimen. Management said it is grateful for the variety of views expressed on the issue and will continue to discuss its views and questions with employees before the December 1 deadline.

Stormont Vail Health in Topeka will also not require employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

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