Sioux Falls, South Dakota — Avera Health has announced that it will become the third healthcare company to require full vaccination for its physicians, employees and volunteers, following in the footsteps of the company that owns MercyOne in Primghar and Sioux City and Sanford Health. Avera has given a vaccination deadline of December 1, 2021.
The policy also applies to students rotating in Avera facilities, contracted workers and vendors. Avera Health will consider exemptions for employees with medical contraindications and sincerely held religious beliefs. Employees who receive an exemption will be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and comply with regular COVID-19 testing and other preventive measures.
According to Avera, the majority of their employees are already vaccinated for COVID-19 and, in an all-employee survey, a majority of employees voiced support for requiring vaccination.
The policy will affect Avera facilities, including those in our area; Le Mars, Marcus, Rock Valley, Rock Rapids, Sibley, Spencer, Spirit Lake and Sioux Falls.
