Essentia Health to require COVID vaccine as condition of employment

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - Essentia Health says after careful consideration, Essentia will require all staff members to be vaccinated against COVID as a condition of their employment.

Essentia says employees must receive their first dose of the vaccine by Oct. 1st and their second dose in a two-dose series by Nov. 1st. Essentia adds that there will be a process for requiring a medical exemption based on CDC guidelines or a religious exemption.

The policy affects all employees, including remote workers, volunteers, students and non-employed medical staff.

Sanford Health previously announced they’re requiring COVID vaccinations for staff. Altru Health System in Grand Forks has yet to make a decision.