Healthcare workers must now get COVID vaccine
Staff Report • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com
All healthcare workers in New York State will now be required to get the COVID vaccine with the first dose being received no later than Monday, Sept. 27.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced this on Tuesday, Aug. 17, and it applies to hospital workers as well as long-term care facilities such as nursing homes.
There will be limited exceptions for either religious or medical reasons.
Dr. Tommy Ibrahim at Bassett Healthcare stressed in an internal email the importance of getting the vaccine to hospital staff.
“I understand that we all have very personal feelings and opinions regarding vaccination. But during a public health crisis of this scale, we must consider more than just ourselves as individuals. This is about doing the right thing for our patients and community,” Ibrahim said. “If you have any questions at all about the vaccines, please speak to your health care provider. You can also always reach out to me – call me or email me anytime. I am happy to speak with you about the safety, efficacy, and science behind the COVID-19 vaccines.”
The delta variant has caused a rise in cases in Otsego County with community level transmission now at high level, causing the CDC to recommend masking indoors.
It’s about time. Should have been done months ago.
This vessel that I live in, is truly owned by God. As a believer in Christ, I am protected by the blood of his crucifixion and resurrection. I Am Healed body, soul, and spirit. I will Not be moved by what I see, what I hear or what I feel. I am only moved by what I believe. I BELIEVE GOD.
I agree that vaccination is the step that needs to be taken to help prevent the spread of Covid. What I don’t agree with is taking away a person’s right to decide to get the vaccine. Last Time I checked, this was a free country and people had the right to decide what was and wasn’t good for the. If they make the wrong choice, then they will have to suffer the consequences. The way I understand it, the vaccines do not prevent a person from contracting a Covid infection; they just reduce the chance that an individual will need hospitalization, intubation, and possibly death. I’m vaccinated and intend to get the 3rd shot when I’m eligible, but if someone doesn’t want it, that’s on them.
I agree that vaccination is the step that needs to be taken to help prevent the spread of Covid. What I don’t agree with is taking away a person’s right to decide to get the vaccine. Last time I checked, this was a free country and people had the right to decide what was and wasn’t good for them. If they make the wrong choice, then they will have to suffer the consequences. The way I understand it, the vaccines do not prevent a person from contracting a Covid infection; they just reduce the chance that an individual will need hospitalization, intubation, and possibly death. I’m vaccinated and intend to get the 3rd shot when I’m eligible, but if someone doesn’t want it, that’s on them.
I agree with Ed George, it’s their choice. And if it was up to me, if in charge, my choice to employe them or not, right! Let’s see what happens after 1 September when the unemployment bonus stops. See who starts looking for work or who is lazy to try and live off my taxes in the future!
Freedom isn’t free. If a worker doesn’t want /get the vaccine then they don’t work as a health care worker. Pretty fair in my opinion. Mike
The last I knew, God had not rendered an opinion on the question of vaccination. However, all religions comment on the theme of treating others well. Vaccination goes beyond personal choice. If you are not vaccinated, you are more likely to put others at risk. If you require hospitalization, let alone intensive care, because you are not vaccinated, you are exhausting people and expending resources that other persons help care for and may need. That is certainly Unchristian.