When it comes to fighting COVID-19, nothing should be off the table. Keeping Californians safe and protecting them from this deadly virus is — and must be — the top priority. And the state’s “first-in-the-nation” mandate of COVID-19 vaccines for health care workers is crucial to containing the virus.
This state public health officer order issued on Aug. 5 is necessary to protect the state’s vulnerable populations and to keep hospitals from becoming overwhelmed. As we’ve seen over the past 18 months, this is a dynamic situation and the guidance will continue to evolve.
Although “breakthrough” cases are still possible in those who are vaccinated, the California Department of Public Health says recent outbreaks in health care settings have frequently been traced to unvaccinated staff members. Vaccination has been proven to greatly reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization, which is why CHA and Hospital Council publicly supported this mandate.
The vaccine is something that we all wished for 365 days ago. It is now here, widely available, and effective — and a critical tool to keep our health care workers and the patients they care for safe from COVID-19’s devasting effects.
Other Notes of Interest
- Are you crushed by the multitude of calls, emails, texts, and Zoom meetings? Frustrated about finding the time to think strategically or coming up with the next “big idea”? If you have 163 seconds, check out this video clip from noted business and creativity author, Dan Pink on how to take a “Schultz Hour” every week.
- The TED Health podcast is an educational and entertaining journey into areas of health that are illuminating, educational, and thought-provoking. Check it out during your commute or during a morning or evening walk.
- Your Hospital Council team loves to read, and this simple website — What Should I Read Next — is a great tool to find your next book based on a previous book you read or a favorite author/topic/style.