By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – Johnson & Johnson, the parent company of Warsaw-based DePuy Synthes, will soon require all employees and on-site contractors to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The policy is effective Oct. 4.

In a letter from J&J’s corporate team, the company said employees and on-site contractors of Johnson & Johnson across the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID- 19.

Manufacturing and distribution employees and on-site contractors will have an extended timeline, which will be communicated in the future, the company said.

Johnson & Johnson is a leader in global public health, and by requiring a vaccine, we are protecting our workforce and those communities in which we live and work and to maintain continuity of production of our products.

Under the best of circumstances, changing the trajectory of health for humanity is a bold ambition and a challenge. To continue to do that, today we must first change the trajectory of COVID-19, the letter said.

The decision is guided by the company’s credo and values “as we continue to follow the science to ensure we are supporting your health and well-being by taking appropriate measures to create a safe working environment.”

J&J has one of a handful of companies to develop vaccines for COVID.

“We believe in science and trust in the processes of bringing life-saving medicines and vaccines to market—and the science proves that getting vaccinated is the most important step in protecting ourselves and our communities.