Hillsborough Nursing Home Undecided On COVID Vaccine Mandate

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — As some healthcare networks around New Jersey require their employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Foothill Acres Nursing Home in Hillsborough has not set a mandate. Based on Foothill Acre's current protocols, unvaccinated employees must be COVID-19 tested twice a week.

"Oftentimes, the Governor makes an announcement about an order, but then it takes some time to filter through the Department of Health to give us the specific guidelines. Since we do not have those yet, I cannot give a comment," said Regional Marketing Director for Foothill Acres Cris A. Brown.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Monday that starting Sept. 7, workers in New Jersey healthcare settings and other high-risk settings will be subject to COVID testing once or twice per week if they're not fully vaccinated against the virus. Read more: COVID-19 Vaccines, Testing Now Mandatory For NJ Health Care Staff

While a vaccine mandate has not yet been decided at Foothill Acres, Brown says that the Hillsborough nursing home "has been recognized as having one of the highest vaccination rates among its residents and staff members, early on."

"We are at 85 percent staff vaccinated and 98 percent of our long term care residents with 92 percent residents overall vaccinated. We continue to test unvaccinated staff twice, weekly," said Brown.

Around the state, healthcare facilities that still have unvaccinated workers by Sept. 7 will need a plan in place to test those employees. The rules also apply to other high-risk settings, such as long-term care and assisted living facilities, rehab centers, county jails and state prisons.

The state "strongly encouraged" private facilities to implement stricter protocols than New Jersey's requirements.

"Vaccination is the best tool we have to end this pandemic," said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. "None of us would want our vulnerable loved ones put at further risk due to their caregiver or healthcare provider. Ensuring these individuals are fully vaccinated or have been tested will help protect those who live in these congregate settings or need hospital care."

The discussion around vaccine mandates for healthcare employees has caused nationwide controversy, and New Jersey hasn't been immune. RWJBarnabas Health confirmed that it fired six employees who refused to get a coronavirus vaccine.

RWJBarnabas was the first New Jersey hospital network to mandate the vaccine. Hackensack Meridian Health and Trinitas Medical Center in Elizabeth.

— With reporting from Carly Baldwin and Josh Bakan

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.