photo by: LMH Health

LMH Health, 325 Maine St., is pictured in May 2021.

The COVID vaccination rate for LMH Health staff is now at 99%, though that number fluctuates somewhat because of new and departing staff, Amy Northrop, the hospital’s director of communications, said Wednesday.

The Lawrence hospital said in September of last year that vaccination against COVID-19 would be a condition of employment and contract engagement for all employees, staff, volunteers and vendors who work at LMH Health and its health system locations.

The hospital, to date, has not had to terminate anyone for noncompliance, Northrop said Wednesday.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, vaccines represent the most powerful tool to help prevent serious infection, hospitalization and death,” the hospital’s CEO, Russ Johnson, said in September. “Vaccines are vital in protecting our employees, providers, patients and community.”

Johnson said at the time that the requirement was consistent with a growing number of hospitals, health systems and hospital associations across the country, including many in Kansas City and the surrounding areas. It also aligns with LMH Health’s approach to requiring vaccinations for influenza.