Effective this Friday, COVID-19 vaccinations will no longer be required for Rochester Regional Health employees, the health system announced Wednesday.

RRH says the decision aligns with the end of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for health care workers in New York state and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announcing that COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be required for health care workers at CMS-certified healthcare facilities.

"We are excited to share this update regarding our COVID-19 vaccine policy," Rochester Regional Health Chief Human Resource Officer Charlene Wilson said in a statement. "Our priority has always been the health and safety of our employees, patients, and community. With the NYSDOH's repeal of the vaccine mandate, we believe this change will provide increased choice and autonomy for our dedicated staff."

The health system also says that former employees who left RRH due to the state’s vaccine mandate will be welcomed back. More information on open positions can be found here.  

RRH says it is still strongly encouraging all employees and community members to consider the benefits of vaccination and says vaccines will still be available for those who wish to receive them.