Statement From MHA President And CEO On Mandatory Vaccination Policies

STATEMENT

Herb B. Kuhn
President and CEO
Missouri Hospital Association

“To protect patients, caregivers and members of the community, hospital team members — those connected directly to and in support of COVID-19 care — were among the first Missourians vaccinated under the state’s vaccination plan. As each additional tier in the state’s vaccination plan opened, hospitals encouraged eligible Missourians to participate.

Missouri’s supply of COVID-19 vaccine now is significant enough that all Missourians eligible — those ages 12 and older — can access a shot conveniently.

Missouri’s hospitals have been helping lead COVID-19 response and recovery since March 2020. That leadership continues. In accordance with clinical recommendations, hospitals throughout the state are evaluating — and beginning to implement — mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies for staff.

Mandatory vaccination policies are not new to hospital staff. Influenza vaccination is mandatory at most Missouri hospitals.

The COVID-19 vaccine is available at no cost to individuals, underwent rigorous scientific testing and has proven highly effective at reducing the illness. The case for widespread vaccination is clear.

Missouri’s hospital community has seen COVID-19’s devastation in lives and health lost. It is appropriate that we lead in vaccination within our organizations.

The state’s hospitals are encouraging all Missourians to join us in helping stop the spread of the virus. That means leading by example.”

# # #