Trinity Health requires COVID-19 vaccination for all colleagues

Information from Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and Mercy Health

Trinity Health has announced the national health system will require all colleagues, clinical staff, contractors, and those conducting business in its health care facilities be vaccinated against COVID-19, effective immediately.  

The requirement applies to roughly 24,000 Trinity Health Michigan colleagues working across five Saint Joseph Mercy Health System hospitals, three Mercy Health hospitals, and two employed medical groups — IHA and Mercy Health Physician Partners.

Since December 2020, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first vaccine for Emergency Use Authorization, Trinity Health has strongly encouraged vaccination for all colleagues and within the communities its various health ministries serve.  To date, the health system estimates that nearly 75% of Trinity Health employees already have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and it now looks to close the gap with this new requirement.

“We are grateful to all colleagues working inside our hospitals, and specifically those navigating the front lines,” said Rob Casalou, president and CEO of Trinity Health Michigan and Southeast Regions. “We understand that not everyone will agree with this decision, but after listening to their feedback, and after careful consideration, we know this to be the right decision.”

Employees at Trinity Health and its health ministries must meet a series of rolling deadlines, with most locations requiring them to submit proof of vaccination by Sept. 21, 2021.  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.