Hartford Organization To Require Employee Vaccination

HARTFORD, CT — Trinity Health has announced that it will require all colleagues, clinical staff, contractors, and those conducting business at its facilities to be vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a statement from the company. The requirement applies to Trinity's more than 117,000 employees in 22 states across the country.

Trinity has 11,000 employees in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The health care organization has previously strongly encouraged vaccination for employees, with nearly 75 percent of employees already having received one dose of the vaccine.

"Trinity Health Of New England strongly supports vaccination, as it aligns with our Core Value of safety," Reggy Eadie, president and CEO of Trinity Health Of New England said in a statement. "The science has proven the vaccines currently available are both safe and effective. We feel strongly that the COVID-19 vaccine is the single most effective tool in slowing, and even stopping, the spread of the coronavirus. As leaders in health care we have an obligation to do our part to protect ourselves, our colleagues, our patients, and our communities."

Employees at Trinity Health must meet a series of rolling deadlines, with most locations requiring them to submit proof of vaccination by Sept. 21. It has not yet been determined if a COVID-19 vaccine booster will be required annually, but if so, employees will also need to submit proof of the booster as needed.

Trinity is offering exemptions for religious or health reasons, which must be formally requested, documented and approved.

Trinity joins a handful of other employers around the state requiring vaccination for employees.

Community Renewal Health Team in Hartford, which employs nearly 400 people, adopted a policy in the spring, becoming the first organization in the state requiring that employees get the vaccine. The company works with seniors, children, and the homeless, and felt it was the responsible thing to do to protect vulnerable populations and its employees, according to company spokesman Jason Black.

Jewish Senior Services in Bridgeport is also requiring all its 750 workers to be vaccinated. Fifteen people resigned due to this requirement.

See related: This CT Employer Is Mandating Employees Get Coronavirus Vaccines

Bridgeport Nursing Home Requires Vaccine For All Employees