Houston Methodist is offering $ 500 bonuses for health workers vaccinated for COVID-19 in March, according to a letter from the president and CEO, dr. Marc Boom.
Boom noted that the country is in the midst of a new upsurge of infections and is likely to experience another before vaccinations begin to suppress the virus. The next wave “will probably be more burdensome for our organization as we have sustained this tension and this high level of focus for many, many months,” he said.
According to him, the bonuses are meant to give workers something to look forward to over the next few months. To be eligible, workers will have to take out a COVID vaccination, which according to Boom meets ‘our obligation as health workers to lead the community’.
Vaccination is not mandatory for employees, but will be in the future, he said. He said the Houston Methodist recognizes the importance of getting all of us vaccinated to protect our patients, our community, ourselves, and our family and friends.
He said further discussion continues over a small number of employees who could not get the vaccine safely.
Meanwhile, Boom said the hospital is working to vaccinate its most vulnerable patients. Infusion sites have also been set up to provide antibody therapy.