A coalition of organizations led by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (APIC) sent a letter Friday encouraging state leaders to require healthcare workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Unlike earlier in the pandemic, there is no longer a mandate that healthcare workers must have the shot.
“Those of us who are healthcare professionals have an ethical responsibility to protect the individuals entrusted to our care from contracting vaccine-preventable diseases while receiving treatment in healthcare facilities,” the letter stated.
A total of 17 organizations were part of the effort, including the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, American Nurses Association, American Public Health Association, National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, Surgical Infection Society, and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, to name a few.
“We believe all Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)-recommended vaccines should be required for healthcare personnel providing services in any healthcare setting. This includes adherence to the most current ACIP COVID-19 vaccination recommendations,” the letter stated.
Patricia Jackson, RN, said in a statement that a rise in COVID-19 cases and the start of flu season is a good time to “spread accurate, science-based information about the effectiveness and safety of vaccines.” She said it will “help ensure our healthcare personnel are fully protected from vaccine-preventable infectious diseases and can provide safe care to individuals seeking medical attention.”
“Our organizations encourage state political leaders to work with public health agencies to address concerns and ensure that accurate, science-based information is provided to help inform the public about vaccine efficacy/effectiveness and risks,” the letter stated.
As of Sept. 23, positive COVID-19 tests slipped 1.1% compared to the week before, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.
The move comes just after the Food and Drug Administration approved the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. There are now three different COVID-19 vaccines approved by the federal government.
