Akron Children’s Hospital plans to mandate vaccines, testing for employees

A plan is in the works to finalize a requirement of employees to be vaccinated or receive mandatory testing.

“Vaccination is the most important tool we have in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and we have an essential role as a pediatric hospital to do everything we can to keep the children in our care safe,” Akron Children’s Hospital President and CEO Grace Wakulchik said in a statement.

Wakulchik cites the vaccines proven effectiveness and calls it a “safeguard.”

“The new employee vaccine requirement is another step in the safeguards we have implemented since the start of the pandemic, including screening at hospital entrances, requiring masks, and stressing proper distancing and proper hand hygiene,” Wakulchik said.

Not all healthcare workers are happy with the move.

Recently, Summa Health System rolled out a similar plan which drew protests from employees. An official with Summa acknowledged workers right to voice their opinion but said they stand by their decision and the policy will remain in place.