A Colorado-based health system says it is denying organ transplants to patients not vaccinated against the coronavirus in "almost all situations," citing studies that show these patients are much more likely to die if they get covid-19.
The letter said the woman would be "inactivated" on a kidney transplant waiting list and had 30 days to start coronavirus vaccination. If she refused the shots, it said, she would be removed. "An organ transplant is a unique surgery that leads to a lifetime of specialized management to ensure an organ is not rejected, which can lead to serious complications, the need for a subsequent transplant surgery, or even death," Weaver wrote in an email. "Physicians must consider the short- and long-term health risks for patients as they consider whether to recommend an organ transplant.
Weaver did not clarify Tuesday what might qualify someone for an exception to the coronavirus vaccination rule. Geitner also criticized UCHealth for firing unvaccinated staff, who represent less than 1 percent of the health system's workforce, according to the Denver Post. Hospitals with mandates have said they appear to be successful, with almost all employees staying on despite fears the rules could deepen staffing strains.