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New Jersey hospital fires six workers who refuse to get COVID-19 vaccine

A New Jersey hospital network fired six workers who refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

RWJBarnabas Health, one of the largest in the country, mandated the vaccine for all staff at the supervisory level and higher. In May, the company made the announcement, setting a deadline for full vaccination no later than June 30th. In a statement following the deadline, the company said, “As of July 14, 2,979 staff members, or 99.7 percent, who are at the supervisor level and above, have been fully vaccinated or received medical and religious exemptions or a deferral,” the company said. “Regrettably, six (6) staff at the supervisor level and above have not complied with the mandate and are no longer employees of RWJBH, per our policy.”

Nearly 60 percent of New Jersey residents are vaccinated and the state’s testing positivity is at 4 percent for the last week, according to John Hopkins University data. Despite declining COVID-19 cases and increased vaccination, the hospital went on to say, “…We have an ethical and professional responsibility to protect our patients and ensure a safe, COVID-19 free environment.” 

In June, 153 Houston Methodist health system employees resigned or were fired after refusing to be vaccinated following a mandate. Since the FDA’s emergency clearance of COVID-19 vaccines, organizations such as the Informed Consent Action Network have taken efforts to protect the medical freedom of workers. 

ARTICLE: ANTOINETTE AHO

MANAGING EDITOR: CARSON CHOATE
PHOTO CREDITS: AAMC.ORG

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Antoinette is a community college student in Sacramento, California. She is a Politics Editor at Fact Based America, a correspondent for Campus Reform, and a student journalist. She previously worked for Turning Point USA as a High School Coordinator.

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