Atlantic Health Hasn't Mandated COVID Vaccine For Employees

NORTH JERSEY — As some health-care networks around New Jersey require their employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Atlantic Health System has not set a mandate. Based on Atlantic Health's current protocols, little will need to change once the state implements new rules to incentivize health-care workers to get vaccinated.

Starting Sept. 7, workers in New Jersey health-care 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

Eighty-three percent of Atlantic Health System's employees have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to executive vice president Nikki Sumpter. Since June, they've provided staff with the choice to either receive the vaccine or get tested weekly before work. Masks remain required in health-care settings.

"Ultimately we encourage every eligible person in New Jersey to get vaccinated against COVID-19, as it is our best defense against the spread of this virus and its variants," Sumpter said.

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Atlantic Health System operates several health care facilities and hospitals in North Jersey. Its network includes Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center, which U.S. News and World Report ranked as the best and fourth-best hospitals in New Jersey, respectively.

Around the state, health-care 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 health-care 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. Its main rival in the New Jersey healthcare sphere, Hackensack Meridian Health, followed suit and now also requires its staff to get the vaccine.

With reporting from Carly Baldwin/Patch

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