The Washington Hospital Association released the results of a survey that detailed vaccination rates in hospitals and healthcare systems in Washington.

The survey was conducted after the October 4 deadline to begin the vaccination process before the October 18 deadline to be fully immunized.

With 94% of state hospitals responding, the results showed that 88% of staff were fully immunized.

The Washington Hospital Association said the remaining 12% are a mix of staff who are partially vaccinated, have an approved exemption and accommodation, have requested or plan to request an exemption that has not yet been reviewed, do have not yet provided verification or choose not to be vaccinated.

The association estimated that 2 to 5% of hospital staff could leave the workforce because of the vaccination mandate.

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Although the percentage of healthcare workers who have not verified their immunization status is low, hospitals report that with a high number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, any downsizing will lead to care problems to patients.

“It is clear that staffing remains limited across the healthcare system and the loss of staff will have an impact on patients, including continued delays for less urgent procedures and longer waits for appointments. outpatients, ”said Cassie Sauer, CEO of Washington State Hospital. Association.

The hospital association also expressed concern about the impact of the vaccine requirement on essential health system services, such as long-term care providers and emergency medical services to transport patients to and between health facilities.

New vaccination numbers for Washington hospitals will be available in early November.

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