Banner Health, the largest hospital network in Arizona, will require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Workers have until November to get the shot.
Banner Health is the largest private employer in Arizona with more than 50,000 workers. A company-wide email Tuesday notified employees about the new requirement.
“We care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and we owe it to them to take every measure possible to ensure the safest care environment,” Peter Fine, president and CEO of Banner Health, wrote. “We are taking this step to reduce risk for our patients, their families, visitors and each other."
The email also noted scientific evidence about the effectiveness of the vaccines.
Banner is already promoting vaccinations for employees with cash prize drawings and is offering paid time off for workers to get their shots.
The company said more details about the vaccine requirement, including exemption opportunities, would be laid out in coming weeks.
