Not Vaccinated, No Job At Saint Alphonsus

BOISE, ID — Trinity Health, the parent company of Boise's Saint Alphonsus Hospital, announced today all employees will be required to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine or face the loss of their job.

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Employees will have until Nov. 21 to submit proof of the vaccine per the new policy. The policy applies to all "colleagues, clinical staff, contractors, and those conducting business in its health care facilities".

Trinity Health is reported nearly 75% of their 117,000 employees across the United States have received the vaccine. Due to Idaho being an "at-will state", the company is allowed to make the vaccine a requirement of employment.

“Safety is one of our core values and because of our commitment to providing safe care, ensuring our colleagues and providers are vaccinated is what is required at this time. We must trust the science and live up to our core values,” said Odette Bolano, President and CEO of Saint Alphonsus Health System.

“Getting the COVID vaccine is the right thing for every adult and child that qualifies,” said Dr. Steven Nemerson, Chief Clinical Officer for Saint Alphonsus Health System. “Saint Alphonsus Health System is proud to do its part in protecting our patients, their families, and our community by ensuring that all of our caregivers will be fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, the harmful and potentially deadly virus that causes COVID-19. Just as our colleagues are required to receive annual flu vaccines to work in our facilities, we know that vaccination is the single most effective tool in preventing the transmission of COVID, keeping our facilities COVID-free, and saving lives. The safety and efficacy of the vaccines is clearly established, and most of our colleagues in Idaho and Oregon have already voluntarily received their vaccines.”

Employees at Trinity Health and its Health Ministries must meet a series of rolling deadlines, with all required to submit proof of vaccination by Nov. 21, 2021. It has not yet been determined if a COVID-19 vaccine booster will be required annually, but if so, employees will also need to submit proof of the booster as needed. Exemptions are available for religious or health reasons and must be formally requested, documented and approved. Employees who do not meet criteria for exemption and fail to show proof of vaccination will have their employment terminated.

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