National Jewish Health Announces Vaccinations Required for All Employees by September 17

Today National Jewish Health announced that it will require all employees, caregivers, staff and affiliates to be vaccinated for COVID-19 by September 17, 2021.
   

“The safety of our patients, visitors and staff is foundational in this decision,” said Michael Salem, MD, president and CEO of National Jewish Health. “We have been at the forefront of this battle against COVID-19 since the beginning and firmly believe that the vaccine is the key to how we end this pandemic.”

National Jewish Health currently has 95% of its staff vaccinated and made the decision that with the Delta variant continuing to spread, the mandate is necessary and provides the safest path forward for serving its many communities. “We are proud that almost all of our employees have already embraced the opportunity to be vaccinated. Caring for our patients and each other in this way is so important to how we deliver services for all our patients and their families who come here,” added Dr. Salem. National Jewish Health has 1,700 employees and staff.

 “We have seen the data showing the vaccines to be both safe and effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalizations. Vaccination is the best defense right now.” explained Steve Frankel, MD, executive vice president clinical affairs at National Jewish Health. “In fact, for the hospitalized patients that we care for across Denver, we are seeing the overwhelming majority are people who have not been vaccinated. That’s a strong argument for getting vaccinated.”

National Jewish Health continues to have free vaccinations available for the public without appointments at its pharmacy on its main campus at 1400 Jackson in Denver (near the corner of Colorado Blvd. and Colfax). Vaccinations are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Employees of National Jewish Health will receive their vaccinations through employee health and will have a choice of the vaccines available. Exemptions will be available only to those who have an approved medical or religious reason. If an exemption is granted, then masks will be required at all times in any National Jewish Health facility along with other requirements.