COVID booster required by March 31

Yale New Haven Health is requiring employees, volunteers, contracted staff, medical staff and students to receive a COVID-19 booster by March 31.

A schedule of onsite vaccination fairs is available on the COVID-19 Vaccination Information Center page on the employee intranet. Employees must make an appointment for their shot via Infor. Those without access to Infor, such as volunteers, students and medical staff not employed by YNHHS, can make an appointments at https://vaccinepartner.ynhh.org/.

“Science continues to demonstrate clearly that vaccines, along with boosters, work and help prevent severe disease,” said Marna P. Borgstrom, YNHHS CEO. “A booster reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19 to patients, employees’ families and vulnerable people.”

Individuals who had a vaccination medical or religious exemption approved previously do not need to apply for a new exemption for the booster. Individuals with exemptions must continue to undergo weekly COVID-19 PCR testing.

Individuals who were previously denied a vaccination medical exemption or deferment may apply for a booster medical exemption or deferment via a link on the Vaccination Information Center page. Exemption and deferment request applications are due by Jan. 31. Those who were previously denied a religious vaccination exemption may reapply by calling their local Human Resources office. 

At YNHHS organizations where some staff are covered by collective bargaining agreements, the health system is engaging with each union to discuss expectations consistent with the agreements.

YNHHS’ booster requirement aligns with the Connecticut Hospital Association’s statewide policy endorsing a mandatory COVID-19 booster for hospital and health system employees and clinical staff. 
Failure to comply with YNHHS’ booster mandate may result in disciplinary action by Human Resources or the Medical Staff office. 

YNHHS is committed to offering high-quality, safe, patient-centered care and a safe workplace. Thank you to the more than 50 percent of employees who have already received a booster shot. Given the health system’s mission to serve and protect patients, we need to pursue a 100 percent booster rate to minimize the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

For more information about mandatory booster shots, including frequently asked questions, visit the COVID-19 Vaccination Information Center on the employee intranet (network only).