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KPBS Midday Edition

More than 1,700 San Diego Health Care Workers Request Vaccine Exemptions

"Scripps Mercy Hospital" sign outside the Scripps Health hospital in Chula Vista, May 10, 2021.
"Scripps Mercy Hospital" sign outside the Scripps Health hospital in Chula Vista, May 10, 2021.
As the deadline looms for state healthcare workers to get vaccinated by the end of the month, thousands are seeking exemptions primarily based on religious grounds.

A federal mandate will require health care employees who work at facilities that accept Medicare and Medicaid to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

In addition, a California vaccine mandate requires health care workers to be vaccinated by Sept. 30.

So far, neither requirement has persuaded an estimated 3% of San Diego hospital staff members to get their shots.

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San Diego health care providers have reported over 1,700 requests for exemptions from the vaccine requirement — most of them based on religious objections.

Paul Sisson, covers health care for The San Diego Union-Tribune, and joined Midday Edition on Monday with more on the story.