Mercy Iowa City will require all colleagues, medical staff, contractors, students, volunteers and those conducting business in Mercy’s facilities to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 20, including both the hospital and Mercy clinics.
Mercy Iowa City has offered the vaccination to its colleagues since the first COVID-19 vaccine was approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In August, the FDA fully approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, the president signed an executive order that will require all health care facilities receiving Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement to require its colleagues to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“As a community hospital, we have a responsibility to protect our community, and this begins with protecting our colleagues,” said Mike Trachta, acting president and CEO of Mercy Iowa City. “Requiring colleagues to be vaccinated against COVID-19 will help protect our patients, many of whom are most vulnerable to COVID-19.”
Mercy Iowa City colleagues must submit proof of vaccination by Dec. 20. Individuals who are not able to be vaccinated for strongly held religious beliefs or medical reasons will be required to apply for an exemption.
Vaccines are available in many convenient locations, including at all Mercy Family Medicine locations and Mercy Coralville Internal Medicine.
