Letter Calls for Universal Vaccinations for Healthcare Workers

On Aug. 3, seven Wichita, Kan.-based infectious disease doctors signed a letter calling for universal vaccinations for healthcare workers, due to the surge of Delta variant cases, according to an article by Anna Auld from KWCH.

The article states, “Dr. Keck Hartman is a part of Infectious Disease Consultants, a medical group in Wichita. He wrote the letter pleading to make the COVID-19 vaccine a requirement, stating about 25 to 30 percent of healthcare workers have not gotten it. He said the requirement is meant to protect the workers and their patients.”

Hartman was quoted saying that “It was bad enough last year, but we didn’t have a choice. But now we have a choice. Now, you are either protected or not. Get sick or not.”

Further, “Dr. Hartman said hospitals are currently re-opening COVID units and are low on staff. He said it should be a wake-up call for those without the shot.”

Finally, “I think the question is changing from if or when we might require vaccination to why aren’t we? Why aren’t employers requiring it? And I think that’s what employers will have to start asking,” said Dr. Hartman.”