Click the links below to see the State Public Health Officer Orders as of August 5, 2021:

Governor Newsom has announced the state will be requiring healthcare workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of September 30.

Newsom’s decision recognizes the critical threat the Delta variant poses to the well-being of all Californians. Throughout the pandemic, SEIU-UHW’s number one priority has been to keep our healthcare workers, families, and patients safe. As such, we have consistently encouraged everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine, which has been proven safe and effective to reduce severe illness from infection.   

Given our unique and indispensable role and with hospitalizations dramatically rising – including for young children, we understand why frontline healthcare workers are being required to rise again to the occasion and be the first line of defense in this unprecedented fight.  

What this means for us as healthcare workers.

There remain many unanswered questions about the state mandate. We will be meeting with our employers to ensure the new policies are administered fairly and that the rights of employees with medical or religious exemptions are fully respected.

What’s missing: real recognition for healthcare workers.

Unfortunately, what is missing from this announcement is long overdue recognition and appreciation from the governor and the state of California to these very same healthcare workers being called upon to step up to carry the load in hospitals and healthcare facilities across the state. As case numbers surge, we are being required to carry yet another unique burden most Californians are not. We should be treated as the essential employees we are by simultaneously being acknowledged and rewarded with hero bonuses.