Akron Children's Hospital has released a statement on Wednesday announcing that 66 employees are still non-compliant with the hospital's vaccine mandate.

On January 11, 2022 the hospital implemented a vaccine mandate for all of its employees. The evening before the mandate was in place, a vigil event was held in protest.

The hospital has released a statement on Wednesday regarding the current state of vaccinated workers. The statement reads as follows:

"As of today (2/3/22) Akron Children's Hospital has 66 employees who are non-compliant with our new COVID-19 vaccination policy. This represents less than 1% of our workforce a rate consistent with other free-standing children's hospitals nationwide implementing similar policies."

"We are hopeful that number will decrease as additional employees have indicated a willingness to comply, and we are willing to work with them. We are sorry to lose employees who have chosen to end their employment rather than comply. A vaccinated workforce is the best protection we can offer our patients, especially those who are most vulnerable, and this is the best way beyond the pandemic."

RELATED COVERAGE: