DENVER (KDVR) — The University of Colorado Health System has terminated 119 employees who refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
The State of Colorado has given health care workers until the end of October to get vaccinated. UCHealth put its own mandate of Oct. 1 in place.
The UCHealth system has more than 26,000 employees all over the state. The 119 terminated represent just 0.5% of the system’s entire workforce.
“No hospital wants to lose valued employees, but we know vaccines save lives and increase safety for everyone. Any of those leaving UCHealth employment are welcome – and encouraged – to re-apply for their positions should they decide to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and wish to return,” shared Dan Weaver of UCHealth.
The hospital system said the vaccine mandate has actually improved staffing levels since fewer employees are testing positive for the virus.