Dozens of major medical groups, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, called for employers to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for all healthcare workers. “Our health care organizations and societies advocate that all health care and long-term care employers require their workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This is the logical fulfillment of the ethical commitment of all health care workers to put patients as well as residents of long-term care facilities first and take all steps necessary to ensure their health and well-being,” the groups wrote in a statement (pdf) on Monday. They argued that because of the “Delta” variant, which is believed to be more contagious, and more reports of COVID-19 hospitalizations, healthcare settings should make vaccines mandatory. With an increase in vaccinations, the statement continued, it will prevent the possibility of more lockdowns or other COVID-19-related orders. Their statement made no mention of individuals …