Fairview, Allina Health will require staff to get COVID-19 vaccine

(FOX 9) - Fairview and Allina Health are now both requiring employees to get COVID-19 vaccines, the health systems announced.

Fairview announced Monday that flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are considered a workplace requirement for all employees and providers across the M Health Fairview system. The move comes as the delta variant continues to spread across the U.S., including in Minnesota.

Employers in Twin Cities metro mandate COVID-19 vaccine, masks

Major Minnesota employers and education institutions are imposing mask mandates and vaccine requirements for workers to slow a COVID-19 surge across the country.

The deadline for employees to receive the annual flu and the COVID-19 vaccines is Sunday, Oct. 31, and receiving both vaccines is a condition of continued employment with Fairview. Fairview is also developing a medical and religious accommodation process.

Allina Health confirmed that by Oct. 1, all employees must have at least their first shot unless they have a medical or religious exemption. Allina Health officials told FOX 9 its current vaccination rate among staff is 73%, so 27% remain unvaccinated.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines in Minnesota, click here.