Get our newsletters

Leading Edge PA announces support of mandatory vaccines for health care workers

Posted

Leading Edge PA has announced its support of mandatory vaccines for health care workers.

“Access to COVID-19 vaccine has resulted in 59% of staff and 83% of resident vaccinations in Pennsylvania, and LeadingAge PA is working to help increase those rates in member communities by providing education and resources on the efficacy and safety of vaccination. Nationally, 61% of staff and 80% of nursing home residents are fully vaccinated, and COVID deaths have plummeted from a high of over 6,000 weekly in December 2020 to 130 in May 2021,” the Leading Edge PA board of directors said in a statement released yesterday. 

“Mandatory vaccinations as a condition of employment in long-term care facilities have increased in Pennsylvania because their staff are providing daily direct care services to those most vulnerable to the coronavirus. Even fully vaccinated older adults in long-term care settings have shown to be at risk with the new variants of COVID emerging and the presence of unvaccinated staff. 

“For all of these reasons, LeadingAge PA:

  • Encourages our members, and all health care organizations, to mandate vaccination for staff.
  • Supports our members as they make decisions with respect to vaccine mandates with the safety and care of all members of their community at the core. All leaders are respected for making the best possible choice for their communities at this time, given their mission, residents, and staff.
  • Supports LeadingAge national’s advocacy for vaccinations and hope that every organization engages in a thoughtful process to ensure the safety of the residents and staff.
  • Commits to providing members with the resources and information they need to educate staff and community members about the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Encourages everyone to make responsible decisions with compassion for the safety and care of all.”

Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.


X