Des Moines Sun

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed onto three lawsuits challenging the COVID-19 workplace vaccination mandate of President Joe Biden's administration.

Reynolds said the mandate could be “devastating” for Iowa nursing homes as threats of quitting could leave facilities short-staffed, Radio Iowa reported. 

“Medical providers that have been on the frontlines of this pandemic saving lives deserve the freedom and ability to make their own informed health care decisions,” Reynolds said in a release. “... I believe the vaccine is the best defense against COVID-19, but I also firmly believe in Iowans’ right to make health care decisions based on what’s best for themselves and their families, and I remain committed to protecting those freedoms.” 

The AARP found that 71% of nursing home staff in the state have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Radio Iowa reported. The national vaccination average among nursing home staff is currently about 74%, Iowa Public Radio reported.

Iowa Public Radio stated vaccination rates among these staff members had increased by 4 percentage points from mid-October to mid-November in Iowa, though health officials state possible outbreaks may come as cold weather hits the state in the coming weeks.

The Iowa Health Care Association joined Reynolds in her opposition to the mandate. Representing most of the state’s nursing homes, the organization echoed concerns that requiring the vaccine might heighten the already prevalent staffing shortages.