Mandate for health care workers

UPMC’s response to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for its health care workers left me incredulous. (July 14, “Amid calls for a mandate, no Pittsburgh-area hospital requires COVID-19 shots for employees”). Their spokesperson said, “UPMC awaits more data on the efficacy of the vaccines in preventing transmission of COVID-19 before requiring the COVID-19 vaccine for employees.” What? Really?

This statement is from UPMC, the entity that rushed to vaccinate its board members and management personnel before offering the vaccine to the public. As properly stated in the article, the effectiveness ratings among the various COVID-19 vaccines range from 72% to 95%.

Perhaps a more honest statement might have been that UPMC is concerned about losing workers, or they wish to avoid frivolous lawsuits filed by employees opposed to vaccination. Or, that UPMC wishes to dodge the possibility of losing clients who are anti-vaxxers. More cynically, possibly, UPMC realizes a vaccinated public will suffer fewer serious side effects, which would decrease the health care empire’s profit margin.

As a business entity, UPMC has every right to refuse mandating COVID-19 vaccination for employees. However, UPMC should not be contributing to the misinformation and vaccination hesitancy that already exists with outrageous statements which are medically, ethically and socially irresponsible.

TINA RHOADES

Highland Park