The Shadow
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – Two Charleston Area Medical Center workers are losing their jobs because they refused to get a seasonal flu vaccine.
Hospital spokesman Dale Witte announced the firings Tuesday.
Witte says the employees could return to work if they receive vaccinations soon. If they don’t, the terminations will be permanent.
He wouldn’t identify the workers but said they worked in a clinical role.
The hospital announced the new policy last summer and the deadline to be vaccinated was Jan. 8. Exceptions were allowed for employees with medical reasons for avoiding the shot, such as allergies.
Hospital officials say mandatory vaccines for workers protect both patients and employees.
CAMC has about 6,000 employees.
