Governor Hochul announces rise in healthcare worker vaccination rate in New York State

New York – According to Governor Kathy Hochul, 92% of New York State healthcare workers met the vaccine mandate by getting the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

On Tuesday, Sept. 28 the statewide healthcare worker vaccine mandate went into effect at midnight.

That put thousands of unvaccinated healthcare workers at risk of losing their jobs.

By the Tuesday deadline, 92% of nursing home staff were fully vaccinated and met the requirements of the mandate.

“We were very firm in adhering to the vaccine mandate,” said Gov. Hochul.

Many healthcare workers around the state have already been suspended for refusing the shot.

According to Gov. Hochul, the mandate was a hard decision, but the right thing to do.

“It was hard to force people to do something that you truly wish they would do voluntarily,” said Gov. Hochul.

Gov. Hochul signed an executive order to bring recently graduated or retired healthcare workers to fill staffing shortages around the state.

During her briefing, Gov. Hochul issued a thank-you to healthcare workers who made the decision to get vaccinated.

“To all the healthcare workers, especially those who are a little nervous about this and anxious, and didn’t do it until recently, I thank you for doing what is right, caring about the people that look to you for their lives,” said Gov. Hochul. “This I truly a profession that I have such respect for, particularly over the last year. I commend everyone who stepped up.”

On Thursday, October 7, a similar mandate for adult care facility staff will go into effect.

89% of staff are fully vaccinated as of September 28.