Some PeaceHealth employees pushing back on vaccine mandates announced by employers | Local News

By Editor Last updated Sep 7, 2021

VANCOUVER, WA (KPTV) – Native nurses are pushing for vaccine mandates introduced by their employers this week.

PeaceHealth workers, who oppose the hospital firm’s new requirement to vaccinate all workers by August 31, are planning a protest outdoors the Peace Well being Southwest Medical Heart in Vancouver on Saturday.

Melissa Kolb, a registered nurse who has labored at Peace Well being for 29 years, mentioned she was not but comfy taking the vaccine.

“Once I acquired the mandate on Tuesday, it was like a blow within the abdomen,” mentioned Kolb. “I really like science. I really like drugs. Typically science and drugs, the FDA and docs, are fallacious. Our historical past is filled with proof.”

PeaceHealth urges all caregivers to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine

PeaceHealth directors mentioned practically 80% of caregivers had been already vaccinated, however felt compelled to make vaccination obligatory as a result of rising unfold of the Delta variant of COVID-19.

PeaceHealth will permit exceptions for sure medical circumstances, however workers who refuse to take the vaccine will likely be handled individually.

“A few of these are taking precautions,” mentioned Doug Koekkoek. “They will work remotely. A few of them will likely be relocated to a distinct work setting. So we’ll do every thing we are able to to maintain the workforce.”

However Kolb mentioned she and a whole bunch of different PeaceHealth staff in Oregon and Washington wished their employer would rethink its insurance policies.

“We would like an alternative choice for these of us who’re at the moment unwell, to obtain the vaccine. We need to keep employed and never be disciplined, ”mentioned Kolb.

Workers protesting PeaceHealth’s vaccination wants protest outdoors PeaceHealth Southwest at 4:00 p.m. Saturday

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