UK St. Claire Staff Now 100% Compliant with COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

“If the events of that last few months have taught us anything, it is that the unvaccinated are extremely vulnerable to this virus,” said Donald H. Lloyd, II, UK St. Claire (SCH) President/CEO. “We believe requiring COVID-19 vaccination of all staff is the moral and ethical act necessary to assure the safety of our patients and our workforce.”

In early August, UK St. Claire joined a coalition of hospitals across the state of Kentucky to require all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Since then, additional health systems in Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, and across the United States, have also implemented similar policies. In addition, President Biden also issued an executive order requiring all federal workers be vaccinated against COVID-19 and requires healthcare entities to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for their workforce as well.

“Our internal and external data clearly indicates that the unvaccinated have experienced the highest level of mortality and severity of illness. We have to do everything in our power to reduce the death, anguish, and heartbreak this virus is causing,” Lloyd added.

When the policy was first announced on Aug. 4, more than 70% of SCH’s workforce was already vaccinated. Today was the last day for SCH staff to initiate their COVID-19 vaccination or face involuntary separation of employment pursuant to the health system’s vaccination policy. Less than 1% chose not to comply.

“We are proud of our commitment to our patients, their families, and our staff,” Lloyd added. “St. Claire will continue to provide the highest quality care in the safest possible environment to all those we are called to serve.”

This evening, 100% of SCH’s workforce is fully compliant with its COVID-19 vaccination policy.