Mercy Medical Center Announces that Employees Must be Vaccinated Against COVID-19

In keeping with Dignity Health’s mission of improving the health of those it serves and especially those who are vulnerable, and our commitment to providing safe care for patients and a safe work environment for clinicians and staff, Mercy Medical Center Merced is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 30, 2021. This requirement also includes all physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, volunteers, and others caring for patients within our facility.

As health care providers we have a responsibility to help end this pandemic and protect our patients, our colleagues, and those in our communities. Requiring vaccination for our teams is critical to maintaining a safe care environment. Medical and religious exemptions will be available for those who qualify.

Throughout the pandemic, Mercy Medical Center has implemented a broad range of safety measures to be able to continue providing essential health care services to everyone in our communities, including those battling life-threatening COVID-19 infections. Unfortunately, COVID-19 cases are on the rise again due to the threat of variants, and many communities continue to have low vaccination rates. Our decision to require the COVID-19 vaccination for our teams is rooted in a commitment to keeping our community safe -- and bringing an end to this pandemic as quickly as possible.

By requiring the COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, just as we do with the flu (influenza) vaccine, Mercy Medical Center joins health systems and associations across the country in supporting vaccination for health care workers in an effort to continue protecting our patients, staff, and communities from this dangerous disease.

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About Mercy Medical Center
Mercy Medical Center is a member of Dignity Health and a part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit health systems in the nation dedicated to advancing health for all and serving communities in 21 states. As an acute care hospital fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation and Healthcare Organizations, with 8 levels and 186 licensed beds, Mercy Medical Center is one of largest employers in Merced County and has been serving the community since 1873. Its inviting, open design provides a positive healing environment where patients enjoy the peace and comfort of private rooms and birthing suites. 

Mercy Medical Center is a certified Primary Stroke Center, has advanced certification for the total hip and knee replacements, and has an ACoS accredited oncology program at the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center. Other services offered include a Center for Diabetes, Breastfeeding Education Center, Family Birth Center, Family Care Clinics, Health Education Center, Home Care, rehabilitation services, and an outpatient surgical and diagnostic center