Prevea Implements COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Staff

Prevea Health notified staff in all locations that they are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or complete an exemption process by Oct. 5, 2021. 

As of July 28 the county’s four primary health care facilities – Prevea, Aurora, Bellin, and Door County Medical Center – were not mandating vaccinations for staff.

“Scientific data shows us the current COVID-19 vaccines are not only safe, but effective in protecting individuals from contracting COVID-19 or becoming hospitalized with the virus,” said Dr. Ashok Rai in a statement Wednesday. “Data also shows us positive cases of this virus and its highly contagious Delta variant continue to rise to very concerning levels, with an overwhelming majority of positive cases affecting unvaccinated individuals. As a trusted source of health care in Wisconsin, it is critical we take this next step to protect our patients, staff and communities.”

Prevea Health has more than 100 locations throughout Northeast Wisconsin and Western Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley.

As of July 28 the county’s four primary health care facilities – Prevea, Aurora, Bellin, and Door County Medical Center – were not mandating vaccinations.

Brian Stephens, CEO of Door County Medical Center, said the hospital has told employees since May that the hospital will likely require the COVID vaccine, “but that we would only do so once there is an FDA-approved vaccine and once we know the regular booster schedule.” The hospital requires staff to get a flu shot every year, Stephens said.

Stephens said the staff vaccination rate is nearly 83% without a mandate. “We do not have any evidence of COVID spread amongst employees,” he said. “so we will continue to wait for FDA approval before moving forward.”