CVS to mandate vaccine for some employees

CVS to mandate vaccine for some employees

An information sign for COVID-19 testing is seen outside of CVS store in Chicago, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave final approval Friday to start administering Covid-19 booster shots to Pfizer and Moderna vaccine recipients hours after a key panel unanimously voted to endorse third doses for immunocompromised Americans. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

NEW YORK — CVS Health Corp. is joining the group of U.S. companies that require employees who have contact with customers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Nurses and other employees who interact with patients, as well as all corporate staff, must be vaccinated by Oct. 31, the company said Monday. It said pharmacists have until Nov. 30 to be vaccinated.

CVS, headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, said other jobs might be added to the list requiring vaccination. The company says its workforce of some 300,000 people includes more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and nurse practitioners.

Photo: An information sign for COVID-19 testing is seen outside of CVS store in Chicago, Friday, Aug. 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)