Children’s Hospital Colorado mandates vaccinations for employees

NEWS RELEASE
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL COLORADO
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Aurora, Colo. – Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado) joins hospitals across the state of Colorado, with the support of the Colorado Hospital Association, in requiring team members to have completed an approved COVID-19 vaccination series by Oct. 1, 2021.

COVID-19 cases are increasing quickly across the country and our state. While both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations are experiencing this increase, the rate of spread and serious illness have been most pronounced for those who are unvaccinated. Meanwhile, 80% of Children’s Colorado patients, including those most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, remain ineligible for vaccination.

“Our team members have embodied the spirit of a caring community, adapting and persevering through the past 17 months,” says Jena Hausmann, president and CEO of Children’s Colorado. “Vaccines are essential in the fight against COVID-19. With safe and effective vaccines widely available, this decision affirms our commitment to the safety and care for our team members and for those we serve.”

Children’s Colorado provides COVID-19 vaccinations to employees and to community members at its vaccine clinics, available on the Anschutz Medical Campus and Children’s Colorado, Colorado Springs. Since December 2020, Children’s Colorado has vaccinated more than 49,000 individuals including healthcare workers, first responders, educators, school nurses, childcare workers, patients and community members.

A complete vaccination series of COVID-19 vaccine will be a requirement to work at Children’s Colorado. This policy applies to all employees, medical staff, trainees, volunteers, vendors, medical students and contract staff.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2021, team members who have not received a complete vaccination series of COVID-19 vaccine will be subject to increased PPE requirements, as well as routine COVID-19 PCR testing in accordance with epidemiological trends in Colorado and/or throughout the country. Children’s Colorado will continue to follow CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics best practices.

More than four million children in America have been diagnosed with COVID-19. With a busy respiratory season already well underway, Children’s Colorado remains committed to creating policies and processes that keep our employees, patients and families safe and well-supported.

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