SHEA Reaffirms Support for COVID-19 Vaccination Among Healthcare Personnel, Including Pregnant Staff

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) supports healthcare personnel (HCP), including pregnant HCP, to be free to choose to continue to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect them and their patients from the COVID-19 virus. We believe that vaccines are most effective and scientifically proven way to protect patients, staff, and visitors in the healthcare setting and promote it as an effective intervention to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases in all healthcare settings. The benefits of a vaccinated workforce include (1) reducing the risk of transmission within healthcare facilities among HCP and patients, all who enter healthcare facilities including patients, families and visitors; (2) maintaining a healthy workforce and supporting HCP wellness; and (3) maintaining the public’s trust in HCP and healthcare institutions. While isolation of symptomatic patients is also a strong infection prevention process, it is important to note that asymptomatic and presymptomatic patients may transmit SARS-CoV-2 before healthcare personnel are aware they are symptomatic. Which is why SHEA strongly recommends that HCP continue to be prioritized for vaccinations for these reasons.