Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, the health system that includes Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, now requires its workers to receive vaccinations against COVID-19, writes John George for Philadelphia Business Journal.

It is the second health system in the Philadelphia region to do so, joining the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

The health system’s parent company, Newtown Square-based Trinity Health, made the decision affecting 117,000 employees in 22 states.

Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic has 9,000 employees.

“The science is clear — vaccination against Covid-19 is saving lives,” said Dr. Sharon Carney, chief clinical officer for Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic.

“Safety is a core value at Trinity Health,” said James Woodward, CEO of Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic “Vaccination against Covid-19 is part of our multifaceted strategy to help stop the pandemic and protect our communities.”

Most workers must receive vaccinations by Sept. 21.

About 75 percent of its workers system-wide have had at least one dose of the vaccine.

Those who do not meet the exemptions for vaccination and do not have proof of vaccination by Sept. 21 will be terminated.

Trinity Health said nearly 75% of its employees systemwide have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

Read more at Philadelphia Business Journal about Trinity Health’s vaccine requirement