LifeBridge Health to Require COVID-19 Vaccine for Team Members
Baltimore "“ LifeBridge Health today announced that the health system will require team members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with full implementation by November 1. The vaccine mandate applies to all team members, including those who work remotely. Individuals who apply for medical or religious exemptions will be required to have regular COVID-19 testing. 
LifeBridge Health hospitals are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, including in children, and the COVID-19 patients are almost exclusively unvaccinated.
"Given the emergence of the highly contagious delta variant, as well as the likelihood the FDA will give the vaccine full approval in the near future, we feel that now is the time we must move forward to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for LifeBridge Health team members," says Leslie Simmons, chief operating officer and executive vice president of LifeBridge Health.
The health system made the decision after careful consideration and discussion with the health system's clinical teams, infectious disease experts, human resources leaders, bioethicist and others throughout the organization.
"As a healthcare system, we must take steps to ensure the health and safety of our patients, our communities and our team members themselves. Scientific evidence and our own experience with this virus show that the COVID-19 vaccine is our best shot to do that," concludes Simmons.
About LifeBridge Health
LifeBridge Health is one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in Maryland. LifeBridge Health includes Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, Grace Medical Center and related subsidiaries and affiliates. For more information, visit www.lifebridgehealth.org
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