PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Housing Authority is requiring all of its 1,200 to get the COVID-19 vaccine by October 15.
It is the largest housing authority in the country, and the first in Pennsylvania to mandate the vaccine for employees.
CEO Kelvin Jeremiah says it’s a step he didn’t want to take.
"I was hoping that we would have many more takers than we actually did," Jeremiah said.
"Only about 60% of our workforce are vaccinated, and with the increasing spread, especially around the variants, we wanted to make sure we were doing everything we can to stop the spread."
Related
Jeremiah said he has the support of PHA’s largest union.
"They too are encouraging and supporting their members to get the vaccine, and providing information to them that they can reasonably rely upon in making an informed decision, one that I hope will ultimately lead to them getting vaccines," he explained.
PHA holds vaccine clinics at its housing sites. There is a walk-in clinic at its Vaux Community Building, two blocks from PHA headquarters, where shots are available Monday to Thursday.
Jeremiah said the measure is intended to protect all employees’ health.
"These are folks who are essential workers. They do not get the days off. They cannot work from home," he said.
Related
Jeremiah said the measure will also protect PHA tenants.
"They are literally going into people’s apartments, fixing broken sinks and toilets, repairing units," he explained.
Jeremiah says employees can apply for an exemption until October 8, but unless an exemption is granted, anyone who does not provide proof of vaccine by October 15 will be subject to discipline, including firing.
"That is not the goal," Jeremiah added.
"We do not want folks losing their jobs. We do not want to terminate anyone. We do not want to discipline anyone. We do want our employees to make an informed decision and take the vaccine."