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COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

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As a healthcare organization, we are committed to improving the lives of people in the communities we serve. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued to adapt our policies and procedures to best protect the safety and well-being of our teams, our patients, our families and our communities. And with the recent rise in cases, it is time to take the next step.

Kettering Health will require all employees, medical staff, students, volunteers, and vendors conducting business in our facilities be vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 4, 2021.

Since the COVID-19 vaccines became available, Kettering Health has strongly encouraged vaccination for our teams and our communities, helping distribute more than 100,000 doses since our first clinic opened last December. But as an organization dedicated to guiding each person to their best health, we can and must do more.

Across the nation, more than 344 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered. And the scientific evidence as well as real-world experiences show that the COVID-19 vaccines are both safe and effective against symptomatic infections, hospitalizations, and death. According to the Ohio Department of Health, 98.8% of people hospitalized with COVID-19 this year were unvaccinated. It’s clear: The COVID-19 vaccine saves lives. 

Over the last 18 months, we have faced countless losses and unimaginable change. COVID-19 has impacted every single member of our employee family, and our best tool in the fight against this virus is the vaccine. Vaccination against COVID-19 protects you and everyone around you: your team, your family, your friends, your patients, your community.

Effective today:

  • Employees: All employees—including remote workers—must receive their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Monday, October 4.
  • Employed medical staff: All employed providers must receive their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and submit proof of vaccination by Monday, October 4.
  • Non-employed medical staff: Independent providers who are part of Kettering Health’s medical staff must receive their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and submit proof of vaccination to the Central Credentialing Office by Monday, October 4.
  • Volunteers: Volunteers serving in our facilities must receive their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and submit proof of vaccination to Volunteer Services leadership by Monday, October 4.
  • Contractors and vendors: All contractors, vendors, and others who conduct business in our facilities must receive their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and submit proof of vaccination by Monday, October 4.
  • Students: Students participating in educational programs and clinical rotations must receive their final dose by Monday, October 4. We will work closely with program administrators to ensure compliance.

Action needed

You can find a full list of local COVID-19 vaccine providers by clicking here. You can also schedule an appointment at the Kettering Health vaccine clinic in Kettering by clicking here. Non-exempt/hourly employees who still need to receive—or have already received—the COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for paid time off. More details can be found in the FAQ.

Kettering Health will review exemption requests submitted by individuals who are precluded from getting the vaccine for medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs. Such requests will be granted where legally required and supporting documentation may be required. Individuals who qualify for such exemptions may be required to undergo additional testing and/or screening. Exemption requests for employees, medical staff, volunteers, vendors, and non-Kettering College students must be received by August 20; exemption requests for Kettering College students must be received by September 3. The forms for exemption requests can be accessed through the Employee Health portal. If you have questions about how to complete these forms, please contact your campus Employee Health department.

Those who do not meet the COVID-19 vaccine requirement by Monday, October 4 and do not have an approved exemption will be subject to termination and/or the inability to conduct business in our facilities.

Employees, medical staff, and volunteers who were vaccinated in the state of Ohio do not need to submit proof of vaccination.

If you are not employed by Kettering Health, or are an employee who received the vaccine outside the state of Ohio, and already received the COVID-19 vaccine, submit a copy of your vaccination card or other documentation from your healthcare provider by emailing or faxing a copy to your campus Employee Health office. Click here to find Employee Health contact info.

More information

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement FAQ

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

Key dates

AudienceExemption Request DeadlineFirst COVID-19 Vaccine DoseSecond COVID-19 Vaccine Dose
EmployeesAugust 20September 3October 4
Medical Staff – EmployedAugust 20September 3October 4
Medical Staff – Non-employedAugust 20September 3October 4
VolunteersAugust 20September 3October 4
Contractors and VendorsAugust 20September 3October 4
Students – Non-Kettering CollegeAugust 20September 3October 4
Students – Kettering CollegeSeptember 3September 3October 4
August 5, 2021
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