UPDATE: Augusta Health's staff vaccinations increase by mandate deadline

UPDATE: The News Leader reached out to Augusta Health to find out what percentage of team members are vaccinated and what percentage of team members are not vaccinated and the story has been updated to reflect this request.

FISHERSVILLE – Since announcing in September that Augusta Health will require COVID-19 vaccination for its workforce by Nov. 1, the hospital provided the following update:

"More than 96% of Augusta Health team members have received the COVID-19 vaccination, begun their vaccination series or have received an approved exemption," the update said.

Augusta Health's team continues to gather information and work through the reporting process to finalize those numbers accordingly, and they anticipate an update next week, said Lisa Schwenk, Augusta Health's director of public relations when asked to clarify vaccinated vs. unvaccinated team members.

"Of the more than 2300 team members at Augusta Health, under 150 were granted exemptions for valid medical and sincerely held religious beliefs, practices and observances," said Schwenk. "That number is across the enterprise, whether in clinical or non-clinical positions. A mere handful have received their first shot and are waiting out the requirement between a first and second shot."

Paperwork and documentation from contract staff, volunteers, students and other workers not employed by Augusta Health who provide patient care and are covered by the policy is still being processed; it is anticipated that those numbers will be available late next week, the update said.

"I am very proud of our team's commitment to the community, the safety of our patients, and each other," said Mary N. Mannix, president and CEO of Augusta Health in the update.

Before the requirement was announced, just under 80% of Augusta Health's team had been vaccinated for COVID-19.

The decision to require a COVID-19 vaccination was unanimously supported by the hospital system's board of directors and is consistent with existing vaccination policy at Augusta Health. Team members are required to get an annual flu shot and stay current with other vaccinations such as measles, mumps and whooping cough, the update said.

Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced in early September that they will require vaccinations for healthcare workers at Medicare and Medicaid certified hospitals. Augusta Health is in alignment with CMS and federal guidelines and regulations.

"We did not want to lose a single team member because of this policy, but we know in our hearts and in our minds that we must do all we can to keep our team and our community safe, healthy and protected from this virus. It's a complicated decision, but the most effective way to attain that level of safety and protection is through vaccination," said John Boswell, vice president of human resources at Augusta Health in the update.

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Augusta Health said it provided a robust information campaign on the vaccine for its team members. More than eight Town Hall or information sessions were held for those with concerns and questions about the vaccine. A Q&A board was established on the employee intranet, and individual meetings were scheduled so all could feel confident about getting the vaccine.

Religious and medical exemptions were reviewed by appropriate panels, according to the update.

"As with other vaccines required for team members at Augusta Health, team members can request a medical or religious exemption to the COVID vaccination policy," said Schwenk, Augusta Health's director of public relations, in a follow-up email.

"There are separate review panels in place for each type of exemption, staffed with appropriate professional members, that review each request individually," said Schwenk. "Decisions are provided to the team member within seven working days of the request. The vast majority of exemption requests submitted for the COVID vaccination policy requirement were approved, and the vast majority of the approved requests were for religious exemptions."

More: Augusta Health anticipates opening Pfizer vaccine clinics for younger children by week's end

As of Nov. 1, no employees had been terminated for not being vaccinated for COVID, although some have been suspended for a period to provide an opportunity to come into compliance. Those on an approved leave of absence are required to be vaccinated on their return to work date, the update said.

"While we are disappointed that some team members did not embrace this safety standard, Augusta Health remains more than 2,300 caregivers strong," said Boswell in the update. "They are incredibly supportive of each other. Our mantra for almost two years has been 'We will get through this together.'"

Augusta Health has consistently advocated for vaccination as the best path forward to make a lasting impact on the pandemic, the update said. The data and science have consistently reinforced the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines, and the FDA has provided permanent approval. Anyone who would like to schedule a vaccination can make an appointment at https://vaccinate.augustahealth.com/

Monique Calello (she/her) is The News Leader's health reporter. You can reach her at mcalello@newsleader.com and follow on Twitter @moniquecalello.

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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: COVID-19 vaccine mandate: Augusta Health hospital staff