Virtually all UW Health's workforce compliant with COVID-19 vaccination policy

Madison, Wis. – Just three months after its announcement, nearly all of UW Health’s workforce has complied with its COVID-19 vaccination policy.

The policy, which is an expansion of an existing flu vaccine policy, requires receiving at least the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by October 1 or completing an exemption form for medical or religious reasons.

The team at UW Health has responded positively to the new policy, according to Dr. Jeff Pothof, chief quality officer, UW Health.

• At this time 99.96% of the 16,185 individuals covered by the policy, and 100% of physicians and providers have complied with the policy.

And while some staff did file waivers, the overwhelming majority of UW Health’s workforce is now vaccinated.

• Approximately 96% of the entire workforce has now received at least their first dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are so proud of how our entire UW Health team has stepped up during this long pandemic,” Pothof said. “They not only care for our patients, but they care about our community and live those values every day.”

The very small number of those who are currently non-compliant have until October 11 to come into compliance with the policy. UW Health anticipates that the number of those still non-compliant whose employment will be terminated at that point will be fewer than 10.

Oct. 1 is not the culmination of the vaccination process. Employees who have only recently received their first dose must get their second dose by Nov. 1.