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Immanuel Announces COVID- 19 Vaccine Requirement for Employees

Immanuel Announces COVID- 19 Vaccine Requirement for Employees

OMAHA, NEBRASKA / August 23, 2021

Immanuel, a regional leader of retirement living and senior care and services will require the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment starting November 1.             

“Our mission is at the forefront of this decision. Those we serve, our seniors, are at the greatest risk from COVID-19.  Vaccines have proven to be one of the most effective tools to keep COVID from entering and spreading in our communities and centers.” explains Dr. Devin Fox, Immanuel Medical Director. 

Fox says the recent surge in COVID-19 cases from the Delta variant created a renewed sense of urgency for the requirement.  Even with 80% of our employees currently vaccinated, there is great concern that even more hazardous variants could develop if more people don’t get vaccinated. Employees may apply for an exemption based on medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs. Otherwise, employees will be asked show verification of a first dose by Oct. 1 and be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1 to comply with the policy. 

“We did not come to this decision lightly nor without much thought. We respect the rights of our employees to choose, but the people we serve have entrusted us to protect them. Immanuel has to make a choice that is in the best interest of the seniors we serve and those we serve alongside of,” Fox says. 

Since 1887 Immanuel has been providing Christ-Centered Service to Seniors, Each Other and the Community. As a not-for-profit, serving arm of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) Immanuel’s house of brands includes: Immanuel Classic Courtyards, Lifestyle Villages, Signature and Care Communities, Lakeside Lofts, Immanuel Pathways, Immanuel Community Foundation and The Immanuel Vision Foundation. 

Immanuel owns and operates 16, independent living, assisted living and long-term care retirement communities on 11 campuses; Immanuel Pathways operates three PACE® Centers in Iowa and Neb.; the Immanuel Community Foundation, a Resident Assistance Fund provides financial assistance to independent living residents; and the Immanuel Vision Foundation extends financial support to non-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that share purposes in alignment with Immanuel’s service centered mission.  Learn more at Immanuel.com 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Connie Chisholm
Director of Communications
Immanuel
1044 N 115th Street, Suite 500, Omaha, NE 68154
Telephone: (402) 829-2928
CChisholm@Immanuel.com