FAYETTEVILLE
– Aug. 5, 2021 – Cape Fear Valley Health announced today that it will make
COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for employees, physicians, students, vendors,
and volunteers. The deadline for full compliance with this new mandate is Oct.
1, 2021.
“With
the rising trend in positive COVID-19 cases locally and nationally,
vaccinations remain our best defense against the pandemic. The vaccine
has proven to be safe and effective, and the data shows it reduces the severity
of the virus and significantly lessens the risk of COVID related
hospitalizations for those who are exposed to the virus,” said Cape Fear Valley
Health CEO Michael Nagowski. “The overwhelming body of scientific evidence
supports our decision that mandatory vaccination is the right choice at this
time.”
The
CEO and several other members of the health system’s leadership held multiple
Town Hall events with employees to listen and answer questions before making
this decision. Employees will be able to apply for exemptions for medical or
religious reasons, similar to those available for other required vaccines.
Nagowski
said employees will not be required to use their vacation time to get their
vaccine.