St. Joseph’s Health is requiring all employees to get Covid-19 vaccine
By Paterson Times Staff
Published: July 30, 2021
St. Joseph’s Health on Thursday announced it is mandating all its employees to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
St. Joseph’s Health runs the St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson, St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center in Wayne, and St. Joseph’s Healthcare & Rehab Center in Cedar Grove. It employs more than 5,000 people, all of whom will have to get vaccinated.
“As a healthcare organization, it’s our responsibility to lead the way, ensuring the highest levels of safety for our patients,” says Kevin J. Slavin, president and chief executive officer of St. Joseph’s Health. “The COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be the safest and most effective way to continue to combat the pandemic.”
Most employees of St. Joseph’s Health have already received their shots. Nearly 80 percent of the employees have gotten their vaccine. Those who have not gotten their shots will have until November 15 to get fully vaccinated. St. Joseph’s Health will consider medical and religious exemptions.
“As we continue to see individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, it is imperative that we vaccinate our entire healthcare team,” says Joseph Duffy, chief medical officer at St. Joseph’s Health. “We’ve seen the devastating impact that COVID-19 can have on individuals and families. Vaccination remains our best defense against further spread of this virus.”