DeSantis Hails Major Florida Hospital System’s Decision To End Vaccine Mandate For 83,000 Employees

A large Florida hospital has suspended its COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

On Thursday, AdventHealth — headquartered in Altamonte Springs, Florida, and treating patients in eight other states — will no longer force its 83,000 employees to be immunized, although it still encouraged vaccination.

“Based on scientific evidence and what we see in our hospitals every day, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at reducing both the risk of becoming infected and the level of harm in the case of a breakthrough infection,” AdventHealth said in a statement. “As part of our commitment to protecting the health and well-being of our team members, patients and communities, we strongly encourage all of our team members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The move comes after multiple federal courts issued preliminary injunctions against the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ enforcement of President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers. It also follows legislation from Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) that bars private businesses from thrusting vaccine mandates upon their employees.

“We welcome AdventHealth’s decision to comply with state law to protect Floridians’ jobs and to ensure our state’s healthcare system can continue functioning smoothly,” said DeSantis’ office in a statement, as reported by Fox 35 Orlando. – READ MORE