On Tuesday Banner Health sent fear through its employee ranks when it notified them that being vaccinated for COVID-19 will be a condition of employment. The company has given employees until November 1 to be fully vaccinated, but says it will allow limited exceptions.
Arizona State Rep. Bret Roberts fought to prevent vaccine “passport” requirements and offered HB2190, which would have prohibited government entities and businesses from asking people about their COVID-19 history or vaccination status. It fell short, thanks to pressure from the healthcare industry and the obstruction of Sen. TJ Shope, from preventing employers from requiring vaccinated employees.
“Education and complete transparency regarding the risks that come with the current vaccines should be made available to everyone. Force and coercion in my opinion, are not routes that should be taken,” Rep. Roberts told the ADI after learning of Banner’s edict. “Adults should be able to weigh the risks involved and decide for themselves.”
As previously reported by the ADI, Gov. Doug Ducey’s executive orders created carve outs for private employees and only prevented governments and those companies who do business on behalf of the state from forcing vaccinations.
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“We care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and we owe it to them to take every measure possible to ensure the safest care environment,” said Peter Fine, president and CEO for Banner Health, in a company-wide email on July 20. “… we are taking this step to reduce risk for our patients, their families, visitors and each other. Safety is an absolute top priority and the COVID vaccine mandate reflects that commitment. The vaccine data has fully supported the safety and efficacy to prevent disease and reduce its severity. There is overwhelming evidence for us to act on behalf of the communities that rely on us to care for and protect them.”
Banner Health says it is implementing “this requirement for several reasons, including the rise of the Delta variant, the pending lift of the Emergency Use Authorization by the Food and Drug Administration, the need to protect its patients and workforce, and to prepare for the flu season. In addition, national data shows that 97 percent of hospitalizations and 99 percent of COVID-19 deaths are in the unvaccinated.”
The company said that it would provide “more details about the program, including an exemption request process,” to employees in the coming weeks.
Despite serious questions as to the ethical nature of incentives, in July, Banner launched an incentive program for employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The incentive program includes drawings which will take place in July and August, with 10 winners total. Employees “who are fully vaccinated at the time of the drawings will qualify,” advised the company.
The winners of the drawings will receive $10,000 each. Banner has also provided its employees with pay for time away to get vaccinated, mileage reimbursement and points toward its wellness program that offers discounts on health insurance.
- The risk of a bad outcome from the disease depends on the risk of getting the disease—which is plummeting at the present time.
- The jab might not protect against the new variants. [We do not tell people to rush to get last year’s flu shot.]
- Estimates of bad COVID outcomes assume that patients will be denied early or preventive treatment, which is likely 70 to 80 percent effective.
- Breakthrough infections in vaccinated people are probably under-reported. Since April, CDC has been tracking only cases that resulted in hospitalization or death.
- “Mild” cases of heart inflammation may be undiagnosed and lead to later heart failure in persons who are untreated and continue strenuous exercise.