CentraCare Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for Employees

CentraCare administrators announced Wednesday that they have made the decision to make the COVID-19 vaccine a requirement for all employees and clinicians of CentraCare. CentraCare employees who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine will need to complete their vaccination series by December 15, 2021.

The COVID-19 vaccination requirement applies to all CentraCare and Carris Health employees, including those who are working remotely, as well as others working within its facilities, which includes contracted employees, volunteers and students. A process for requesting a medical exemption based on CDC guidelines or a religious exemption will be shared with employees.

Dr. Ken Holmen, President and CEO of CentraCare, stated, “We did not come to this decision lightly and believe the decision to require vaccination best serves the collective good of our staff and community. The science shows us that no other strategy has proven to be more effective in fighting this virus.”

More than 92% of CentraCare physicians and 94% of advanced practice providers have received the COVID-19 vaccine since it first became available in December 2020. CentraCare has administered more than 174,000 vaccine doses to members of area communities.