The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is requiring all health care workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or receive their second dose of the vaccine, by Thursday, Sept. 30.
The State Public Health Officer Order, released on Aug. 5, came on the heels of California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) announcement compelling state workers and health care workers to present proof of full vaccination, or be tested at least once per week. It is also a response to the state’s rising numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations and intensive care unit patients.
“Vaccination against COVID-19 is the most effective means of preventing infection with the COVID-19 virus, and subsequent transmission and outbreaks,” Dr. Tomas J. Aragon, California public health officer and director, told the Santa Barbara News-Press. “As we respond to the dramatic increase in cases, all health care workers must be vaccinated to reduce the chance of transmission to vulnerable populations.”
The order applies in most health settings, which includes general acute care hospitals, clinics and doctor offices, intermediate care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, mental health treatment facilities and hospice care centers, according to the Santa Barbara News-Press.
The state is currently experiencing the most rapid growth of COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. California recorded 18.3 new cases per 100,000 people per day, "with case rates increasing ninefold within two months,” the order stated.
Aragon said a vaccine mandate is necessary to protect both patients and medical practitioners.
