COVID vaccination required for YNHHS employees, medical staff and others

Yale New Haven Health is now requiring all members of its workforce (including employees, medical staff, volunteers, students, contractors and traveling staff) to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The requirement, which took effect July 12, aligns with the Connecticut Hospital Association’s statewide policy endorsing mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for hospital and health system employees and clinical staff. 

At YNHHS organizations where some staff are covered by collective bargaining agreements, the health system is engaging with each union to discuss expectations consistent with the agreements.

Individuals may request a COVID vaccination exemption or deferment (to a later date) for a medical reason or sincerely held religious/spiritual belief. The process, criteria and forms are available on Employee Self Service. Log into Infor (in network only) and choose “COVID Attestation” in the Employee Health Widget. 

Failure to comply with YNHHS’ vaccine mandate may result in disciplinary action by Human Resources or the Medical Staff office. 

YNHHS is committed to offering high-quality, safe, patient-centered care and a safe workplace. Thank you to the more than 80 percent of employees who have already been vaccinated. Given the health system’s mission to serve and protect patients, we need to pursue a 100 percent vaccination rate to minimize the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

For more information about mandatory vaccination, including frequently asked questions, visit the COVID-19 Vaccination Information Center on the employee intranet (in network only). The site also lists important deadlines, including:

• Aug. 1, 2021: Applications for medical and religious/spiritual exemptions due
• Aug. 31, 2021: Final day for unvaccinated individuals to receive Dose 1 of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Final day for all employees/medical staff to have a record of COVID-19 vaccine Dose 1 on file with Occupational Health.
• Sept. 30, 2021: Final day for staff to receive Dose 2 of Pfizer or Moderna. Final day for staff who choose to receive the one-dose vaccine (J&J/Janssen). Final day to submit documentation of vaccination outside of a YNHHS-affiliated vaccination clinic.
• Week of Sept. 27, 2021: Verbal warning for non-compliance
• Week of Oct. 4, 2021: Written warning for non-compliance
• Week of Oct. 11, 2021: Suspension for non-compliance
• Oct. 18, 2021: Termination for non-compliance