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The two largest healthcare providers in Burnet County are now mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for employees. File photo
The two largest medical facilities in Burnet County have opted to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all its personnel, contractors, vendors, volunteers, officials announced.
On July 27, Ascension Seton Hospital stated in a press released that will give those required to take the shots until Nov. 12, unless they have a medical or religious exemption. The company operates Ascension Seton Highland Lakes, 3201 S. Water Street (U.S. 281) in Burnet and Ascension Seton Highland Lakes Medical Clinic, 800 Mormon Mill Rd Suite B in the Falls Office Park in Marble Falls.
“Ascension will require that all associates be vaccinated against COVID-19, whether or not they provide direct patient care, and whether they work in our sites of care or remotely,” the press release from Ascension stated. “This includes associates employed by subsidiaries and partners; physicians and advanced practice providers, whether employed or independent; and volunteers and vendors entering Ascension facilities.”
Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, 810 Texas 71 in Marble Falls, announced July 29 that they would require coronavirus inoculations for all personnel and associates with the facilities as well, according to company statements.
By Oct. 1, 2021, all Baylor Scott & White Health employees, providers, volunteers, vendors, students and contract staff must receive both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, unless granted a religious or medical exemption, according to a company statement.
“With rapidly rising COVID-19 case counts due to the highly contagious Delta variant and the start of the flu season fast approaching, we believe now is the right time to take the next step in achieving a fully vaccinated workforce,” stated Baylor Scott & White spokesman Gabriel Martinez. “The Delta variant is the most contagious and dangerous strain we have seen to date, leading to exponentially increasing rates of severe illness and hospitalization.”
The Scott and White statement attributed the recent cases to unvaccinated individuals.
“We are committed to making the communities we serve healthier,” Martinez stated. “Whether you are a patient, family member or employee, you can be assured that we have taken every measure to protect you.”