Aspirus is holding itself to a higher standard in the fight against COVID-19

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At Aspirus, our number one priority is protecting the safety of our patients, employees and communities.

That commitment extends to the way we address the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, which is currently surging nationwide as the Delta variant spreads – largely among the unvaccinated. That is why we strongly encourage all eligible people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and effective in preventing infection and the spread of disease. According to the CDC, just 35 percent of Taylor County residents 12 years and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine. We have to do better.

About Our Internal Vaccination Program To help lead the way, the Aspirus system is working hard to vaccinate as many of our employees as possible. To avoid confusion about our internal COVID-19 vaccination program, here are the specifics. All staff members are required to receive the vaccination, or complete the following activities:

• Sign a formal waiver due to religious or medical reasons.

• Complete a robust educational class.

• Perform COVID-19 testing frequently.

More than 50 U.S. health care organizations and specialty societies have issued statements of support for COVID-19 vaccination, and the Aspirus Medical Group – including our local physicians – strongly encourage vaccination as the best way to effectively suppress the pandemic and avoid the return to restrictive public health measures.

It is unfortunate this safe and effective vaccine has been the target of misinformation, leading people across the country to take a strong stance against vaccination. We ask that our unvaccinated community members learn the facts from credible sources and, if unvaccinated, reconsider their decision for their own safety and to protect their neighbors and loved ones.

Fulfilling Our Commitment Americans enjoy the right to their own opinion, and some people continue to have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. But the care team at Aspirus is held to a higher standard because we are entrusted with the health of the communities we serve.

Throughout this unpredictable pandemic, we have implemented rigorous safety precautions aligned with CDC guidelines. We will continue to do whatever is right to advance our mission of healing people, promoting health, and strengthening communities.

— Dale Hustedt, President; Barbara Lato, Vice President Patient Care & Chief Nursing Officer; Dr. Clint Semrau, DO, President Medical Staff; Dr. Stephen Van Wylen, MD all of Aspirus Medford Hospital and Clinics