New York Won’t Enforce COVID-19 Booster Mandate for Health Sector Over Staffing Concerns

Health care workers are seen in a recent file photo. Ariana Drehsler/AFP via Getty Images

New York on Friday rolled back on a Feb. 21 deadline that would require healthcare workers to get a COVID-19 booster shot or risk losing their jobs or salary, citing concerns about staffing shortages.

“The reality is that not enough healthcare workers will be boosted by next week’s requirement,” said Dr. Mary T. Bassett, the state’s health commissioner, adding that officials cannot immediately enforce the mandate because it could create “substantial staffing issues.”