NY State Health Department dropping COVID vaccine mandate for health care workers

The New York State Health Department has announced plans to drop the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers.

It’s a requirement that went into effect in fall 2021, but is now being phased out as the pandemic eases.

The Department of Health released the following statement:

“Due to the changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving vaccine recommendations, the New York State Department of Health has begun the process of repealing the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for workers at regulated health care facilities. Throughout the public health emergency, this vaccine requirement served as a critical public health tool, helping to protect both health care workers and the patients under their care. As the repeal of this regulation awaits consideration for approval by the Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC), the Department will not commence any new enforcement actions. However, it should be noted that facilities should continue to implement their own internal policies regarding COVID-19 vaccination.”