Time Is Running Out For Unvaccinated Mayo Clinic Employees

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Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - D-Day is approaching for an unknown number of Mayo Clinic employees.

Mayo began notifying employees in October they were facing a loss of their job if they were not vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus by Jan. 3rd. Mayo initially threatened to place unvaccinated employees on unpaid leave for 30 days beginning Dec. 3rd but later backed away from that deadline.

But as of Wednesday, the Jan. 3rd deadline was still in effect.

Senior Public Affairs Specialist Teresa Malloy had this reply to an inquiry from News-Talk 1340 KROC AM News Wednesday morning:

“For staff to continue working at Mayo Clinic, they need to receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Jan. 3. They would then have the appropriate number of weeks, per vaccine received, to complete their vaccination process prior to any employment impact. While Mayo Clinic does not want to lose any of its valued staff, Mayo remains firmly committed to requiring vaccination for staff to help ensure the safety of our patients, staff, visitors and communities.”

The vaccine mandate also applies to students, temporary research personnel, contractors, and others - including those working remotely. Mayo does have an “exemption process” for employees claiming religious or medical objections to the vaccine.

Earlier this month, Mayo said 93% of its employees had received at least one dose of the vaccine. An unknown number had received medical and religious exemptions.