ISAPN Supports Mandated COVID-19 Vaccinations for APRNs and All Health Care Professionals and the CDC’s Updated Guidance on Masks to Mitigate Impact of Delta Variant

The Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN), representing the interests of Illinois’ 16,000+ advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), supports health care employers mandating all health care personnel to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The increase of new variants, COVID-19 vaccination rates, and continued public skepticism call for APRNs to uphold their professional and ethical obligations to model the same prevention measures as their patients.

“Vaccination is both a significant public health victory and a scientifically proven strategy to slow the spread of COVID-19, prevent overwhelming our healthcare systems, and reduce the loss of lives,” said ISAPN President Raechel Ferry Rooney DNP, APRN, ANP-BC.

The CDC recommends that everyone wear a mask indoors – regardless of their vaccination status – in “areas of substantial and high transmission” of COVID-19. ISAPN strongly advocates that everyone practices the prevention strategies recommended by public health officials to stop the spread of COVID-19 until the Illinois population has been broadly immunized against the virus. Dr. Ferry Rooney stated, “Even as we stress the importance of wearing a mask in public places, we know that vaccines remain the most effective way to prevent the increase of new infections and hospitalizations in Illinois counties experiencing surges from the Delta variant.”

We also know that many individuals in Illinois remain apprehensive about getting vaccinated. We urge them to seek information from a trusted health care professional and talk to family members and community leaders who have been vaccinated about their experience. We all need to do our part to stop the spread of this virus, including following the guidelines of the CDC regarding masks and getting the vaccine.