All hospital workers, long-term care employees, and those who work at a correctional facility were required to receive at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by Aug.t 27 per a mandate issued by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) earlier this month.
According to KRQE, Albuquerque-area hospitals reported most of their employees did comply with the mandate or received an exemption, but some chose not to and either went on leave or parted ways with their jobs.
"I am a nurse of 11 years. I worked for the company I work for for six years, and I am willing to quit my job over this," Hollie Ortiz, a nurse, told KRQE at a recent protest against the mandate.
Presbyterian Healthcare Services said at least 97% of its employees did comply, according to KRQE. University of New Mexico Health said more than 95% of their employees were fully vaccinated or exempt, while Lovelace reported almost all of their employees have complied or received an exemption.
Eric Harrison, a spokesperson with the state's corrections department, said at the time the governor's mandate took effect on Aug. 17, 84% of employees had been vaccinated.