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COVID-19 Vaccination for Meritus Health Employees - Setting the Example as Leaders in Community Health

In alignment with the other hospitals and health systems in the state, through the Maryland Hospital Association, Meritus Health has created a policy regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for employees, medical staff and volunteers, effective Sept. 1, 2021.

As of Aug. 1, 2021, all new health system employees must be COVID-19 vaccinated prior to starting. As of Sept. 1, 2021, all Meritus Health employees, medical staff, volunteers, and contractors/partners will need to be COVID-19 vaccinated or will need to be COVID-19 tested every 14 days. Medical and religious exemptions are available, similar to the influenza vaccine

The decision was based on expert guidance and data showing minimal risk of COVID-19 vaccines compared to their high rates of effectiveness.

“Our health care heroes have seen firsthand the devastation this virus has caused and how deadly it is”, says Maulik Joshi, president and CEO of Meritus Health. “We are here to set the example as leaders in the health of our community and our obligation to our mission to improve the health status of our region.”

“The positive outcomes of the COVID-19 vaccines are absolutely tremendous and we have an ethical responsibility to do everything we can to protect our patients, our team members and our community from illnesses” says Dr. Rashid Hanif, Chief of the Medical Staff.