Deadline looms for Florida health care workers to get COVID-19 vaccine

ORLANDO, Fla. — The deadline for health care workers in Florida to get their first COVID-19 vaccine dose is here.

Workers have an additional month to become fully vaccinated against the virus.

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The Biden administration’s vaccine mandate taking effect Thursday applies to employees at hospitals and other health care facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs.

This comes after a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court allowing the requirement for hospitals and other health care facilities receiving federal money.

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As a result, Florida dropped its appeal in a legal fight against the federal COVID-19 vaccination requirements for health care workers.

The American Health Care Administration said it won’t check for compliance.

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The Florida Health Care Association, which represents the largest nursing home group in the state, said it plans to follow the federal mandate, pointing to concerns about losing funding if providers don’t comply.

READ: OSHA withdraws Biden administration vaccine mandate for large companies

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