MIAMI VALLEY — Kettering Health is requiring employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a press release from the network. Employees have until October to get vaccinated.

“As a healthcare organization, Kettering Health is committed to improving the lives of people in the communities we serve. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued to adapt our policies and procedures to best protect the safety and well-being of our teams, our patients, our families, and our communities,” Kettering Health officials stated in a press release. “Since the COVID-19 vaccines became available, Kettering Health has strongly encouraged vaccination, helping distribute more than 100,000 doses since last December. But with the recent rise in cases, we can and must do more.”

Kettering Health will require all employees, medical staff, students, and volunteers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 4.

“We urge others in our community to get the COVID-19 vaccine, as it is our best tool in the fight against this virus. Vaccination against COVID-19 protects you and everyone around you: your family, your friends, your community,” Kettering Health officials stated.