DeSantis Hails Major Florida Hospital System’s Decision To End Vaccine Mandate For 83,000 Employees

A large Florida hospital has suspended its COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

On Thursday, AdventHealth — headquartered in Altamonte Springs, Florida, and treating patients in eight other states — will no longer force its 83,000 employees to be immunized, although it still encouraged vaccination.

“Based on scientific evidence and what we see in our hospitals every day, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at reducing both the risk of becoming infected and the level of harm in the case of a breakthrough infection,” AdventHealth said in a statement. “As part of our commitment to protecting the health and well-being of our team members, patients and communities, we strongly encourage all of our team members to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The move comes after multiple federal courts issued preliminary injunctions against the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ enforcement of President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers. It also follows legislation from Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) that bars private businesses from thrusting vaccine mandates upon their employees.