SCHA’s Statement on Hospital Vaccine Policy
South Carolina hospitals and health systems are dedicated to the health and safety of all South Carolinians, and protecting our healthcare professionals is a vital part of that mission. The COVID-19 vaccine is the best method for allowing our healthcare workforce to remain the front line of defense as the delta variant leads to an alarming rise in hospitalizations. Scientific evidence has proven:
- the COVID-19 vaccine is safe;
- the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly in conjunction with appropriate masking policies, is effective at reducing the risk of spreading the virus or becoming infected with this virus and its variants; and
- COVID-19 and especially the delta variant pose a greater risk of serious illness and death to those individuals who remain unvaccinated.
To protect the health and safety of patients, healthcare workers, and each of our communities throughout South Carolina, the South Carolina Hospital Association (“SCHA”) strongly urges all healthcare professionals to receive vaccinations and supports our hospitals and health systems who are requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for their employees. SCHA recognizes that each hospital and health system in South Carolina is unique and encourages each to determine the appropriate time and method for implementing such a policy. Vaccination of healthcare employees will help preserve the ability of our hospitals to respond to COVID-19 and continue to provide other care necessary for all South Carolinians.