In a surprising show of bureaucratic backpedaling, Kaiser Permanente, one in every of America’s largest well being care suppliers, is now desperately inviting again medical doctors it unceremoniously fired for refusing to adjust to its COVID-19 vaccination coverage.
The alternative was revealed in a current letter despatched to former workers, a duplicate of which was obtained by citizen journalist Amy Reichert.
The letter, dated Could 17, 2024, alerts a whole reversal of Kaiser’s earlier place on necessary vaccination.
It stated the strict coverage that after required all workers to be vaccinated towards COVID-19 as a situation of employment has been rescinded “as a result of adjustments in federal, state and native vaccine necessities or suggestions.” Now, vaccination is solely elective, though employees are nonetheless required to report their vaccination standing yearly.
The tone of the letter is sort of apologetic, a stark distinction to the draconian orders enforced through the peak of the epidemic. It learn: “We perceive that your noncompliance with the vaccine coverage might consequence within the termination of your employment with Kaiser Permanente.”
The letter invitations these affected by the earlier coverage to reapply for his or her jobs.
“In gentle of the vaccine coverage revisions, we needed to tell you that you’re eligible for rehire for open and obtainable positions with Kaiser Permanente for which you’re eligible to reapply,” the letter learn.
Learn the total letter under:
“We’re writing to tell you that there have been adjustments to the Kaiser Permanente COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage (“Vaccine Coverage”) for KP Workforce Members which will have an effect on you. As it’s possible you’ll recall, the federal authorities and numerous state and native companies required COVID-19 vaccinations for well being care employees, amongst others, through the pandemic.
In line with government-mandated COVID-19 vaccine laws, and as a part of ongoing efforts to guard the well being and security of Kaiser Permanente members, sufferers and workers, a lot of whom are at high-risk from COVID-19, Kaiser Permanente carried out a vaccine coverage in 2021. The vaccine coverage requires, as a situation of employment, that workers both submit proof that they’ve been absolutely vaccinated towards COVID-19 (together with any relevant boosters), or acquire an authorized exemption inside specified timelines.
For different causes, adjustments in federal, state, and native vaccine necessities or suggestions, the vaccine coverage is efficient February 1, 2024.
Specifically, vaccination towards COVID-19 is now not required as a situation of employment. Though a COVID-19 vaccination shouldn’t be required to work at Kaiser Permanente, workers are required to have their COVID-19 vaccination standing checked yearly.
We perceive that your non-compliance with the vaccine coverage might lead to termination of your employment with Kaiser Permanente. In gentle of the vaccine coverage revisions, we needed to tell you that you’re eligible for reappointment with Kaiser Permanente for open and obtainable positions, do you have to want to reapply (except you’re ineligible for reappointment for different causes associated to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. non-compliance). You possibly can seek for open and obtainable positions right here:
https://kaiserpermanentejobs.org/search-jobs
We admire your previous service to Kaiser Permanente and its members and sufferers, and we encourage you to use for the open place.”
Braking:
Kaiser Permanente is urging medical doctors who shot down the COVID shot to crawl into HMOs and reapply:Kaiser Permanente•
Could 17, 2024
Dr. Wayne Johnston,
We’re writing to tell you that Kaiser Permanente has made a change to the COVID-19 vaccination… pic.twitter.com/FRY4ESW77e
— Amy Reichert (@amyforsandiego) May 23, 2024
Final yr, 75,000 Kaiser Permanente well being care employees in California, Virginia and three different states went on strike over staffing shortages, the most important well being care strike in US historical past.
The three-day walkout concerned nurses, technicians, pharmacists and help employees. Well being care employees are hanging for wage will increase, a nationwide minimal wage, well being advantages, retirement plans and tuition help packages.
