Several hospitals in Missouri, including University of Missouri Healthcare, are requiring all employees to be vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus. Many employees have followed through because they do not fear any aftereffects of the vaccine, and some I would believe, have taken it under duress of losing their livelihood-their job and their benefits, including loss or reduction of future retirement and health insurance.

This is a big deal for those who have legitimate and personal apprehension about a virus and vaccine that is indeed a serious concern. But the fact is that there is a lot of conflicting data on it all. We have all read or heard about such cases. New concerns and questions seem to surface at least weekly. Facts and studies are available on the CDC website and NIH among others.

It seems to be a punitive action not to work out a satisfactory solution with those who object to taking the vaccine at this time. Our hospital administrators make difficult decisions every day to do their best for patients, employees and the public. Religious and medical exemptions can be submitted and hopefully they will be treated respectfully and leniently, with the best interests of the individual at heart.

So please try to come up with a solution here, for what we all hope will be short term, without wrecking the livelihood for these employees, many long-term with 10, 20, 30 or more devoted years to MU Healthcare. You might put yourselves in their shoes, losing all you have worked for, for years.

In summary, thank you health administrators for all you do in looking out for your patients and the public. You are all an important part of our community and nearby communities who use your services. We want to know we are being seen or cared for in safe conditions. But please protect the jobs of your dissenters in some wonderful way, with the hope this disease will soon be under control. We know you can do it!

Sandra Fritz

Fulton