Jacksonville, FL (August 6, 2021) – Nemours Children’s Health System, which cares for children and teenagers in five states, announced today mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for all associates, effective September 1, 2021.
COVID-19 vaccination will be required for all associates as a term of employment, including remote workers, contractors, students, temporary staff, and volunteers. The first dose of a two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine must be administered by September 1, 2021.
“As we face the challenges of a troubling resurgence of COVID-19 across the nation, we need to do everything we can to keep our pediatric patients and associates safe,” says Maureen Leffler, DO, MPH, Chief Wellness Officer for Nemours Children’s Health System. “Especially given all children under 12 years of age are still ineligible for vaccination, the best way to protect our patient families, and to save lives in the communities we serve, is through vaccination of those who are eligible.”
Nemours has strongly encouraged vaccination for all associates since the first vaccine for COVID-19 was approved for Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration eight months ago.
“The administration of nearly 350 million vaccine doses in the U.S thus far has provided convincing data that vaccines are safe and highly effective in preventing COVID-19 infection and protecting vaccinated individuals against severe illness, hospitalization, and death,” said Leffler. “The science is clear—the vaccines are saving lives.”
All associates must have their second dose, or have an approved exemption request on file, by October 6, 2021. In accordance with applicable laws, vaccine exemptions will only be allowed for specific medical conditions and religious beliefs.
# # #
About Nemours Children’s Health
Nemours Children’s Health is one of the nation’s largest multistate pediatric health systems, including two free-standing children's hospitals and a network of nearly 80 primary and specialty care practices across five states. Nemours seeks to transform the health of children by adopting a holistic health model that utilizes innovative, safe, and high-quality care, while also caring for the health of the whole child beyond medicine. Nemours also powers the world’s most-visited website for information on the health of children and teens, KidsHealth.org.
The Nemours Foundation, established through the legacy and philanthropy of Alfred I. duPont, provides pediatric clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention programs to the children, families and communities it serves.
Nemours has a number of service regions. Selecting your region will help us show you the right contact information and the most relevant content for you.