Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island is requiring employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Employees — including those who currently or in the future may work remotely — are required to submit proof of vaccination by Nov. 1, according to the Aug. 27 announcement. Religious and medical exemptions are available.
The requirement applies not only to employees, but vendor partners who work at the company's headquarters or its retail locations.
"We are in challenging times that I believe require all of us to take strong actions to protect public health," said Martha Wofford, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island president and CEO. "As the largest health insurer and one of the largest employers in the state, requiring COVID-19 vaccinations can help safeguard the health and well-being of our employees and our community."