Nurse expresses concern about Houston Methodist mandatory vaccination policy for employees

BAYTOWN, Texas – A nurse over six years old in Houston Methodist Baytown, who does not want to be identified, said she disagrees with the hospital’s policy to require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Many people are nervous. They think it is too early to make it mandatory. It should be a choice. We’re just not comfortable. If we’re not comfortable with this, don’t force us to do it, ”the nurse said.

In fact, the nurse has drafted a petition with about 100 signatures in support of the new policy, which could lead to termination if employees don’t follow the rules on June 7, unless they have an exemption for religious or medical reasons.

“We don’t want to be threatened and bullied here now. We want more research. We want more time. We want it approved by the FDA. “

“This is about protecting our patients, and we have a sacred duty to protect our patients,” said Marc Boom MD, Houston Methodist president and CEO.

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Boom said that of their nearly 26,000 employees, about 84% have been vaccinated. He added at the end of the day that the policy is about keeping people safe.

“COVID is a very dangerous disease for our employees, for their colleagues, and especially for our patients, and we owe it to our patients to protect them,” said Boom.

“The EEOC has no objection because it is in the best interest of the community,” said lawyer Sophia George.

But can a company require you to be specifically vaccinated if the vaccines have been cleared for emergency use only by the FDA?

George said legally they can.

“Just because it has not yet been approved by the FDA doesn’t mean it is beyond the employer’s scope to require it,” George said.