Vaccine Mandate Ruling
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the lower court did not have the authority to block the mandate nationwide. Therefore, long-term care providers in 26 states will have to comply with a federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The deadline for healthcare workers remains January 4, 2022. to be fully vaccinated would remain or be adjusted.
Consumer advocates, health experts, and the industry state best practice for operators would be to meet the deadlines despite frivolous court challenges. Katie Smith Sloan is president and CEO of LeadingAge. She stated:
“As COVID-19 variants emerge and proliferate, we continue to strongly urge everyone in long-term care receive vaccinations and get boosters. Mandates work. Having fully vaccinated staff and residents ensures that everything possible is being done to deliver safe, quality care to older adults.”
Vaccines save lives. Traditional vaccines are required for school. Mandates are constitutional. George Washington mandated vaccines!