Vaccine Mandate Begins for Home Health Aides

Workers in adult care facilities, home health agencies, long-term home care programs, and hospice care have until Thursday night to receive their first shot of the coronavirus vaccine as New York state’s vaccine mandate takes effect.

Up until now, the mandate only covered hospitals and nursing homes.

Of the roughly 250,000 home health aides statewide, an estimate 20% have not been vaccinated, ABC 7 reported.

The Visiting Nurses Association on Manhattan is prepared for a staff shortage as some refuse to get the shot.

Another mandate may be implemented for New York City firefighters and police officers, as the departments lag behind other sectors of city employees. So far, around 60% of the FDNY and 68% of the NYPD are vaccinated. Those who are not are tested weekly.

NYPD officials have voiced their approval for a potential mandate.

“I would be supportive of a vaccine mandate,” said Commissioner Dermot Shea. “I’ve said that from day one, I think that the science the health the emergency situation that we’re in, it makes sense.”

The Police Benevolent Association, the largest police union, said that it supports vaccines, but it will fight any mandate.

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smarcus@hamodia.com