Banner Health To Mandate COVID-19 Vaccines For Employees

PHOENIX, AZ — Banner Health employees have until Nov. 1 to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

That's the summation of the company's policy on the subject, outlining why COVID-19 vaccinations are now mandatory as a condition of employment with one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country.

In a company email Tuesday, Banner Health CEO Peter Fine said such vaccinations are crucial, given the patients that health care providers see on a daily basis.

“We care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and we owe it to them to take every measure possible to ensure the safest care environment,” Fine's email states. “We are taking this step to reduce risk for our patients, their families, visitors and each other. Safety is an absolute top priority and the COVID vaccine mandate reflects that commitment."

Banner cites the rise of the delta variant of the virus, in addition to the upcoming expiration of the Food and Drug Administration's emergency use authorization as reasons for mandating vaccinations.

Additionally, Banner cites preparation for the next flu season — and the fact that 97 percent of all COVID-19 hospitalizations and 99 percent of COVID-19 deaths are among unvaccinated populations — in establishing its new policy.

Banner offers an incentive program in which 10 employees will receive $10,000 apiece if they win drawings for those vaccinated in July and August. It also allows employees to take time off and receive reimbursement for any mileage associated with the vaccination process.

"The vaccine data has fully supported the safety and efficacy to prevent disease and reduce its severity," Fine said. "There is overwhelming evidence for us to act on behalf of the communities that rely on us to care for and protect them.”