Major Louisville hospital system ends COVID-19 vaccine mandate for employees

Norton Healthcare has ended its COVID-19 vaccination mandate for all employees, a spokesperson with the company said.

Maggie Roetker, Norton's director of public relations, said workers were notified Wednesday. The new policy is effective immediately.

Roetker said the update on vaccine mandates goes along with new regulations enacted by accrediting agency DNV along with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, two federal agencies.

"While COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a requirement for employees, volunteers, vendors and contractors, we do still recommend it to reduce the risk and protect each other and our patients," Roetker added. The vaccine is also recommended for people who are at risk of medical complications due to the virus.

Norton Healthcare required all of its employees to be vaccinated in 2021.

"I know some people will be bothered by this ask, especially because it's in the form of a requirement, but circumstances sometimes dictate this kind of action. This is one of those circumstances," Norton President and CEO Russell Cox said at the time.

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Reach Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Norton Healthcare in Louisville ends employee COVID-19 vaccine mandate