Kaiser Permanente, one of America’s largest healthcare providers, has reversed its mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy and is now inviting back the doctors it previously dismissed for refusing to comply.
In a letter obtained by citizen journalist Amy Reichert, Kaiser Permanente acknowledges the changes in federal, state, and local vaccine requirements and states that vaccination is now optional for employees.
The letter expresses an apologetic tone, in contrast to the rigid mandates enforced during the pandemic. It also invites those affected by the previous policy to reapply for their jobs.
The reversal comes after a strike last year by 75,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers over staffing shortages, which was the largest healthcare strike in U.S. history.
The strike was due to various issues such as wage increases, nationwide minimum wage, health benefits, retirement plans, and tuition assistance programs.
