Dozens of health care clinics in Oregon lost workers because of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate imposed by the state’s health agency, according to a new study.
About half of clinics that filled out surveys reported losing workers. The majority of those reporting the loss of employees are situated in rural areas.
“Oregon’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate increased health care personnel vaccination rates, yet amplified staffing challenges with disproportionate impacts in rural areas,” Dr. Brigit Hatch, a professor at Oregon Health & Science University, and her co-workers said.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, and the Oregon Health Authority did not respond to requests for comment….