MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Trinity Health announced Thursday that all employees, including those of St. Joseph Health System facilities, will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination by September 21.

This requirement includes all colleagues, clinical staff, contractors and anyone conducting business inside of Trinity Health facilities.

Trinity Health has more than 117,000 employees in 22 states nationwide, including about 3,000 colleagues within the St. Joseph Health System.

"We have been called to care in so many new innovative ways throughout the COVID pandemic and this vaccine requirement is another example of how we are creating a safe and compassionate healing environment for our patients and colleagues," said Chad Towner, President/CEO of St. Joseph Health System.

Trinity Health has been strongly encouraging workers, nearly 75 percent already vaccinated, to get immunized since December.

“The prevention of disease and preservation of health is the core of high-quality health care. Requiring a highly effective and safe vaccine to prevent this exceptionally transmissible and dangerous disease is simply the right thing to do to protect our patients and workforce,” said Genevieve Lankowicz, MD, St. Joseph Health System Chief Clinical Officer.

All Trinity Health workers will be required to have proof of COVID-19 immunization by September 21 and must continue receiving annual vaccine booster shots in the future.

Exemptions are available for religious or health reasons and must be formally requested, documented and approved.