Federal health workers in the United States must be vaccinated against the Corona virus

First Amendment: 12/08/2021 – 17:38Last update: 12/08/2021 – 17:37

Washington (AFP)

The Department of Health announced in a statement Thursday that health workers employed by the US federal government will be required to obtain a vaccine against COVID-19.

The measure affects 25,000 employees in contact with patients at health centers run directly by the federal government, including employees of the Indian Health Service, which cares for members of indigenous tribes across the country.

The statement did not specify a deadline for the vaccination of employees.

“Our primary focus is the health and safety of the American public, including our federal workforce. Vaccines are our best tool to protect people from COVID-19, prevent the spread of variable delta, and save lives.” Minister Xavier Becerra.

According to the statement, seasonal influenza vaccination and other routine vaccinations are already required for most health care workers employed by the federal government.

The Pentagon announced Monday that vaccination against COVID-19 will be mandatory from mid-September for all members of the US military, a decision “strongly supported” by President Joe Biden.

In late July, Biden asked the military to consider “how and when” to add a covid-19 vaccine to its list of mandatory vaccinations for troops.

At the same time, the White House announced that millions of federal employees will have to vaccinate or face a series of restrictions.

© 2021 AFP