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WKSU, our public radio partners in Ohio and across the region and NPR are all continuing to work on stories on the latest developments with the coronavirus and COVID-19 so that we can keep you informed.

Doctor 'Sick And Tired Of Losing Colleagues' Supports Vaccine Mandates for Ohio Hospital Workers

a photo of the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University
David Holm
/
WOSU
Ohio State Wexner Medical Center on March 30, 2020.

Most of Ohio’s major hospitals are requiring employees to get COVID vaccines. While the requirement has been met by pushback from some staffers, it’s welcomed by most others.

Dr. Steven Burdette, the chief of Infectious Disease at Wright State University, said hospitals already require vaccines for many illnesses and have exceptions for medical or religious reasons. So he’s all for hospitals requiring staff to get COVID shots.

“I’m tired of having doctors die, I’m tired of seeing respiratory therapists die, I’m tired of seeing nurses die, I’m tired of seeing patient care techs and medical assistants die of COVID. I’ve lost colleagues. I’ve lost friends. I’ve lost peers in this area and across the nation,” Burdette said.


Burdette said more vaccinations mean safer conditions for medical professionals.

Public hospitals were excluded from a law taking effect in October that bans schools and public colleges from requiring COVID shots. But some lawmakers say they’ll back bills preventing employers from mandating COVID vaccines.

Hundreds of people protested outside two Dayton area hospitals against the vaccine requirement for health care workers, according to the Dayton Daily News.

Copyright 2021 WOSU 89.7 NPR News. To see more, visit WOSU 89.7 NPR News.

Jo Ingles
Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.