Valley Health CEO responds to criticism of its COVID vaccine mandate

Shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday evening, Royal Examiner received the following response from Valley Health President and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) Mark Nantz regarding comments by Front Royal Town Councilman Scott Lloyd citing their employee COVID vaccination mandate of July 19 as one reason he considers his vaccine-related ordinance proposal now an “Emergency” submission to council. That ordinance, as previously reported, would legislatively block by municipal code any private sector business or organization operating within the town limits from reassigning or terminating employees or members who refuse to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Valley Health President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Nantz

“Valley Health is focused on the safety of our patients, caregivers, and community; requiring the COVID vaccine for healthcare workers is broadly endorsed by public health and infectious disease experts. Given the over 3.5 billion doses administered worldwide and irrefutable safety data, not requiring our caregivers to be vaccinated would be irresponsible.

“Valley Health has received clear legal guidance that it is firmly within its rights as an employer to require vaccination for its employees. This view has been recently affirmed by two separate federal judges.

“We are concerned that these baseless efforts to come between Valley Health and its employees will only delay vaccination and impact the safety of staff, patients, and the community.”

This story may be updated as additional information become available.

Councilman Lloyd asserts Valley Health COVID vaccine mandate is the ‘emergency’