COVID-19: Groups urge healthcare workers to get vaccinated

In an open letter, three major medical groups are urging healthcare workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The American Medical Association, American Hospital Association and the American Nurses Association released the letter, which also thanks healthcare workers for their efforts during the pandemic.

“A grateful nation has watched and rightly bestowed upon you a legacy of respect,” the groups said in the letter. “On behalf of our organizations and members, we add our own thanks for the tremendous dedication you each have shown in the face of a relentless pandemic. And yet, we must ask more.”

With vaccinations underway in the United States, the organizations noted this is a positive step in the fight against COVID-19, though it does not mark the end of the pandemic.

“Just as we have been pushing for adoption of the precautions we all know work – masking, hand hygiene and physical distancing – we must also push for high rates of vaccination within the US population if we hope to overcome this virus,” the organizations wrote in the letter. “This will require trust in the COVID vaccination process, from the development, distribution and administration of a safe and effective vaccine as well as a willing public to get vaccinated.”

The organizations also noted that it is an essential role for frontline caregivers to protect the health and wellbeing of their communities, which goes beyond the care they provide.

“As a valued and trusted voice, our example is perhaps the strongest health resource we have,” they added. “Our hope is simple; we urge you to get the COVID-19 vaccine and share your experience with others.”

The organizations also are urging support for scientific and regulatory measures.

As physicians, nurses, hospital and health system leaders, we remain committed to supporting the rigorous scientific and regulatory process, establishing safe and effective processes for administering vaccines to all who are eligible and choose to get vaccinated, and to making critical information about vaccines available as it is released,” the organizations concluded. “Thank you for working to improve the health and safety of our country.”