Confluence Health announces update to vaccination policy

WENATCHEE — Confluence Health employees who had been prohibited from working onsite if they had not received the initial COVID-19 vaccination for religious or medical reasons will be allowed back onsite, beginning March 1.

Employees will have to meet certain requirements, according to a Confluence Health press release. The organization has clinics in Moses Lake, Royal City and Ephrata.

The policy change will affect employees who received religious or medical accommodations who also currently work remotely. Those employees will be allowed to come back onsite for meetings and social events, to return to work where appropriate and where space is available.

“This change in policy reflects our shift in status within the wider pandemic and the needs of our communities,” wrote Jason Lake, Confluence chief medical officer, in the press release. “While vaccinations continue to be vital to our ability to address the needs of public health, the transition to a post-pandemic world allows us greater flexibility in requirements moving forward.”

Former employees who have medical or religious exemptions from the coronavirus vaccine can apply for open positions. The COVID-19 vaccine is still part of the standard vaccination panel required of all employees and prospective employees without approved exemptions.