As we have navigated through the pandemic, every decision that has been and will be made centers on one common goal: keeping each other, our families, community members—and especially our patients—safe from COVID-19.
On August 5, Kettering Health—following the recommendation of the Ohio Hospital Association, numerous professional medical organizations, and along with more than 1,500 hospitals across the nation—announced that staff members and providers would be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by October 4.
The vaccine is our best tool in the fight against this virus. Research shows that the COVID-19 vaccines are both safe and effective against symptomatic infections, hospitalizations, and death.
- Across the nation, more than 344 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, and no long-term side effects have been detected.
- In the state of Ohio, almost 99 percent of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in 2021 were unvaccinated, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
Thank you to those of you who are fully vaccinated or have taken steps in that direction.
Our decision to require the COVID-19 vaccine has been met with a variety of strong feelings—in both directions. Over the course of the last week, we have engaged with staff across the organization—individually and in group settings—through town halls, facility rounding, email submissions, and conversations at all levels of Kettering Health.
These discussions have reminded us of two things: First, we have a dedicated workforce that cares deeply about our mission and providing compassionate and high-quality healthcare to those we serve. Second, in the same way that we’ve adjusted throughout this pandemic, it is vital that we continue to evaluate the ever-changing landscape and adapt accordingly. With that in mind, here are a few key updates to the vaccine requirement policy:
- Date Requirement:The deadline to receive the final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has been moved back to December 1. You can find a full list of local COVID-19 vaccine providers by clicking here or schedule an appointment at the Kettering Health vaccine clinic in Kettering by clicking here.
- Exemption Process: Individuals wishing to submit medical or religious exemptions must do so by October 15. The exemption review process is currently ongoing, and we encourage those wishing to submit an exemption to do so as early as possible.
- Previous COVID-19 Infection: For those that wish to be exempt based on a previous infection, we will accept proof of current immunity in the form of a positive COVID-19 IgG Antibody test as a medical exemption to vaccination. A positive antibody test must be completed and submitted no less than every three months. When the antibody test becomes negative, a vaccine series must be completed. Antibody tests are available through direct access testing (DAT) with no physician’s order required.
- Pregnancy-related Temporary Exemptions: Many of the questions and medical exemption requests that have come through over the past week are from those who are trying to conceive, are currently pregnant, or are breastfeeding. The process for each of these is outlined below:
- Those currently pregnant must submit a medical exemption request and provide a doctor’s note that confirms pregnancy status and expected delivery date.
- Those trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding must submit a medical exemption request.
We are currently developing a panel discussion with a group of OB-GYN physicians that will be available in video form in the coming days. Thanks to those of you who have submitted questions for this forum. More educational resources will be considered going forward.
For more information on any of the above requirements, please refer to our FAQ, which continues to be updated regularly.
These updates represent the importance of ongoing, two-way dialogue as we continue to support each other and those we serve. Please also note that policies, protocols, and requirements are subject to change as the pandemic continues to evolve. These environmental shifts include community spread, COVID-19 hospitalizations, ongoing research around best practices, and forthcoming FDA approval of the vaccines.
This past week has been a great reminder that even as things continue to change, there is one thing that remains constant: We—as colleagues, caregivers, and citizens—are not in a battle against each other, but rather, in a united war against this pandemic. Thank you for your tireless service and unwavering commitment.