Broadlawns Medical Center Implements Plan to Vaccinate Entire Staff Against COVID-19 Press Release August 10, 2021 Des Moines, Iowa (August 10, 2021) – Broadlawns Medical Center (BMC) announced today that it will require the entirety of its staff to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by November 1, 2021. BMC also strongly encourages their patients and the community-at-large to get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible for all who are eligible. “Broadlawns is incredibly proud of the dedication and fortitude that our staff has demonstrated as we’ve navigated the intricacies of the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic,” said Karl Vilums, Interim President and CEO of BMC. “The recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases has illustrated the importance of utilizing every available precaution to mitigate further spread of this disease. With that at the forefront of our decision making, our administrative, physician and nursing leaders agree that vaccinating the remainder of our staff is the judicious course toward ensuring the health and safety of our coworkers, patients and the community we serve.” To date, 76% of BMC staff are fully vaccinated. By October 1, 2021, all remaining Broadlawns employees, contracted staff, students, and volunteers must receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. By November 1, 2021, all of the aforementioned staff members from Broadlawns must be fully vaccinated. Staff members who choose not to comply with the vaccination requirements are subject to voluntary resignation or termination. While pregnant staff members are strongly encouraged to receive a vaccination, they may request a temporary deferral of this new vaccination requirement. Individuals seeking an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for medical or religious reasons may complete a request for accommodation form to submit to the human resources department. Staff who are granted an exemption will receive enhanced PPE as an additional measure of protection and will need to submit to periodic testing until the pandemic protocols are lessened by the CDC. “Over the past 18 months, our staff has witnessed firsthand the severe conditions that COVID-19 complications can present,” said Dr. Yogesh Shah, Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs of BMC. “With full FDA approval of the COVID-19 vaccinations expected in the next couple of weeks, the efficacy and safety of the vaccines becomes even clearer. As a public healthcare provider, we must act in the best interests of the health and well-being of our staff, patients and community. The vaccinations provide a layer of protection that we simply cannot ignore.” About Broadlawns Medical Center Broadlawns Medical Center is a nonprofit healthcare organization that ensures our community is provided quality healthcare that is coordinated, compassionate and cost‐effective. The Broadlawns campus includes an acute care hospital, primary and specialty care clinics, urgent care and emergency services, lab, radiology, dentistry, crisis services, inpatient, outpatient and community-based mental healthcare. Broadlawns accepts all forms of insurance and its approach to health care and quality outcomes earned a Level 3 rating from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the highest achievable status for a medical delivery model. Broadlawns takes a leadership position in teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals through its residency and fellowship programs.