COVID Booster Requirement Extension Sought By NJ Hospital Group: Report

PRINCETON, NJ — The New Jersey Hospital Association has asked the state for an extension to a recent deadline requiring health care workers to get their COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, according to a report.

In January, Gov. Phil Murphy issued an executive order requiring employees in health care settings or "high-risk congregate" environments to receive a booster dose. While employees in congregate settings have until March 30 to get the shot, the deadline for health care workers was Monday.

This week, the New Jersey Hospital Association requested a 90-day extension to the deadline, NJ.com reported. While the agency said it estimates 90 percent of hospital workers have received the two-dose series, hospitals need more time to encourage workers to get the booster shot.

"We wholeheartedly support vaccination and booster shots as the best protection against COVID for healthcare workers and the people they care for," NJHA president Cathleen Bennett said in a statement provided to NJ.com. "They’re also important for continuing to move us forward from this pandemic."

Murphy said last week that he has no plans to extend the deadline, NJ.com reported.

Once the deadline passes, workers lose the choice to opt out of the requirement by undergoing weekly testing.

COVID-19 vaccine exemptions are only available for medical reasons or "deeply held" religious beliefs, Murphy said in January.

"Anyone found in non-compliance will be subject to their workplace's disciplinary process — up to and including termination of employment," Murphy said.