Full Vaccination Required by Nov. 1 as MCW Leads by Example in Creating “Safest Environment Possible”
John R. Raymond, Sr., MD
In response to the increase in positive cases of the Delta variant and recent surges of COVID-19 cases across the community, state and country, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) announced that it will require all employees and learners to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Nov. 1, 2021.
“There is overwhelming scientific evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. As an academic medical center, it is incumbent upon us as healthcare providers and health science professionals to demonstrate our commitment to, and leadership for, public health and the health of our patients and communities,” said John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, president and CEO of MCW. “We also believe that healthcare organizations, especially academic medical centers, need to lead the way by setting an example of best public health practices, and social responsibility for our stakeholders, vulnerable communities, and our region.”
An exemption process is in place for medical and religious reasons – consistent with required seasonal influenza vaccinations at MCW. Commencing on Nov. 1, 2021, all those approved for an exemption will be required to undergo periodic COVID-19 testing. “We are grateful for all that has been done within MCW to care for our patients, communities and one another throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Raymond said. “This vaccination requirement will further ensure that we are doing everything that we can to keep our communities safe.”
The Centers for Disease Control updated its mask guidelines this week, encouraging mask wearing indoors in public places in communities with high rates of transmission. Mask requirements and other protective measures remain in force on MCW’s three campuses.
About the Medical College of Wisconsin
With a history dating back to 1893, The Medical College of Wisconsin is dedicated to leadership and excellence in education, patient care, research and community engagement. More than 1,400 students are enrolled in MCW’s medical school and graduate school programs in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Central Wisconsin in. MCW’s School of Pharmacy opened in 2017. A major national research center, MCW is the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and second largest in Wisconsin. In the last ten years, faculty received more than $1.5 billion in external support for research, teaching, training and related purposes. This total includes highly competitive research and training awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Annually, MCW faculty direct or collaborate on more than 3,100 research studies, including clinical trials. Additionally, more than 1,600 physicians provide care in virtually every specialty of medicine for more than 2.8 million patients annually.