Methodist Health System requires COVID-19 vaccine for its workforce
- Category: Press Release
- Posted On:
DALLAS — Methodist Health System is mandating that all of its workforce be vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 1, 2021.
Methodist was the first health system in North Texas to offer vaccines to its workforce, and the majority of its workforce took advantage of that opportunity. Now the remainder of its employees (on-campus and remote workers), physicians on the medical staff (employed and affiliated), volunteers, vendors, students, and contract staff must be vaccinated by October 1.
In an email to approximately 10,000 employees and medical staff this morning, Methodist senior executives explained the decision: “The highly contagious Delta variant is causing another spike in the number of COVID-19 infections in North Texas. We believe the best way to keep our hospitals and communities safe is to achieve a fully vaccinated workforce.”
Once Methodist attains its goal, all full-time employees will receive a $500 bonus. Part-time employees will get $250.
As with the mandated flu vaccine, exemptions will be made on medical or religious grounds. Employees are encouraged to apply for an exemption by September 10 in order to have their exemption reviewed before the October 1 vaccination deadline.
About Methodist Health System
Guided by the founding principles of life, learning, and compassion, Dallas-based Methodist Health System (Methodist) provides quality, integrated healthcare to improve and save the lives of individuals and families throughout North Texas. Twelve hospitals proudly carry the Methodist Health System brand, as owners or through affiliation. More than 50 Methodist Family Health Centers and Methodist Medical Group specialty physician office locations are among the facilities served by the nonprofit Methodist Health System, which is affiliated by covenant with the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Additional information is available at MethodistHealthSystem.org.
Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System.
