97% of UW Medicine staff, faculty are fully vaccinated

Under an emergency proclamation from Gov. Jay Inslee, most Washington state employees and healthcare workers are required to show proof of full vaccination by October 18 – with some exemptions made for medical or religious purposes.

Lisa Brandenburg, president of UW Medicine hospitals & clinics, says approximately 300 UW Medicine employees have sought exemptions. About one-third of that group has met the criteria and will be accommodated.

“We continue to have conversations with our employees about the exemption process and the criteria,” says Brandenburg. “We're having one-on-one conversations with staff who are interested about the process and have vaccine questions.”

Brandenburg says UW Medicine has proactive plans to mitigate staffing challenges, and will know more as the process evolves.

“Our healthcare workers have worked endlessly and tirelessly this last 18 months supporting our community and taking care of patients across the state and our broader five-state region,” says Brandenburg. “I am incredibly thankful to them for the work that they've done.”