Companies with more than 100 employees, including senior living facilities, are required to implement a mandatory Covid-19 vaccination policy, according to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule issued Thursday.

By January 4, 2022, all employees in these companies must have received their final Covid-19 vaccination shot. Workers might also be subjected to routine Covid-19 testing and be required to wear face covers.

Many senior living facilities, including significant ones such as Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE: BKD), Atria Senior Living/Holiday Retirement, Senior Lifestyle Corporation, and Enlivant, have previously enforced Covid-19 immunization. Smaller providers, such as Juniper Communities and The Arbor Company, have also made immunization mandatory.

While regulations do not appear to be causing significant turnover in senior living, even slight increases in turnover will be unwanted in today's labor situation. Most senior housing providers, like companies in other industries, are under strong pressure due to labor shortages, rising salaries, and other issues.

Unvaccinated workers, on the other hand, pose a hazard to the workforce, as Covid-19 outbreaks bring significant insecurity.

Source: Senior Housing News