Association: Possible Two to Five Percent Staff Loss in WA State Hospitals Due to Covid Vaccine Mandates

(Seattle, WA) -- With 94 percent of Washington’s hospitals reporting, a survey from the Washington State Hospital Association shows an overall staff vaccination rate of 88 percent statewide. In a statement from the association, they report there is variability among hospitals’ vaccination rates. The remaining 12 percent are a mix of staff who are partially vaccinated, have an approved exemption and accommodation, have applied or plan to apply for an exemption that has not yet been reviewed, have not yet provided verification, or are choosing not to be vaccinated. The hospital association believes that statewide, two to five percent of hospital staff could leave the workforce because of the vaccination requirement. The final number will not likely be known until early November.

“Washington hospitals continue to urge their staff to get vital COVID-19 vaccines. We are pleased that most hospitals and health systems have achieved a high rate of vaccination, which will allow patients to continue to access life-saving care across Washington State,” Cassie Sauer, CEO of the Washington State Hospital Association said. “We know there will be some impacts on services, and we will continue to support hospitals and health systems in navigating the vaccine requirement.”

“It is clear that staffing remains constrained across the health care system and the loss of staff will have an impact on patients, including continued delays for less urgent procedures and longer waits for outpatient appointments,” Sauer said.