HIMSS21 and HLTH to Require Proof of COVID Vaccination at Upcoming In-Person Events

As we head into summer, I know that many in the health IT community are watching to see the various health and safety protocols that are put in place for health IT events and conferences that are scheduled for the end of Summer and Fall.  Today, we got big announcements from both HIMSS and HLTH about their health and safety plans for the HIMSS21 conference happening August 9-13, 2021 in Las Vegas and the HLTH 2021 conference happening October 17-20, 2021 in Boston.

The big news from each conference organizer was they would both be mandating proof of COVID vaccination to be able to attend the event live.  Of course, they’ll both have virtual options for those that don’t want to be vaccinated or can’t be vaccinated.

In the HLTH announcement, they said that they’d be working with CLEAR’s Health Pass, a free mobile experience on the CLEAR app, to allow attendees to submit proof of vaccination.  HIMSS is still evaluating solutions and their FAQ said the following, “HIMSS is evaluating validation solutions with a focus on accessible, privacy-preserving technologies. We will provide attendees, exhibitors and HIMSS staff further guidance in the coming weeks on accepted proof and validation solutions.”

These announcements will likely come as a relief to some and others who strongly disagree with the decision.  As I mentioned above, they both are offering a virtual experience as well that don’t require vaccination, but I think we’ve all come to realize that the virtual can’t replace many of the things we gain from being there in person.

As part of their announcements, HLTH and HIMSS both commented on what their mask policy will be at the events.  Here’s HLTH’s comments on masks:

It is our hope that we will be able to make the wearing of masks a personal decision and minimize social distancing restrictions throughout HLTH 2021–including the evening networking events. All decisions will be based upon guidance from state and local leadership as well as best practices determined by the CDC.

And here’s HIMSS FAQ in regards to masks at HIMSS21:

HIMSS is currently assessing evolving public health guidance regarding the use of masks in large gathering settings. We will provide additional guidance on mask wearing on the HIMSS21 campus on or before July 19, 2021.

Seems like both are kind of deferring that decision until later which makes sense since so many things are still changing as far as state and local guidelines along with national guidelines.  As we’ve seen during the pandemic, things can change quickly.  In fact, both organizations acknowledged that they’d continue to watch for changing guidelines to ensure they can adjust to changes as needed.

UPDATE from HIMSS on HIMSS21 Vaccination Requirements and Masks (Received 6/30/21):

HIMSS has issued guidance to Global Conference attendees, exhibitors, speakers and HIMSS staff on the latest health and safety protocols and requirements for HIMSS21. All guidance can be found on the HIMSS21 Health and Safety Hub, which is updated regularly.

HIMSS21 is a COVID-19 vaccination required event. To satisfy the HIMSS21 Right of Entry requirement to gain access to the HIMSS21 campus, each attendee, exhibitor and HIMSS staff member must complete a two-step process.

Step 1: Complete one of the following options to validate vaccination status.

  • Option 1: CLEAR Health Pass Validation
  • Option 2: Safe Expo Vaccine Concierge Validation
  • Option 3: Safe Expo On-Site Validation

Step 2: Bring proof of vaccination validation (per Option 1, 2 or 3) along with identification to a registration area for badge pickup.

Links to access Option 1 and Option 2 will be provided to all registrants in communications from HIMSS in early July. Option 1 and Option 2 can be completed in advance.

Once a registrant has received their HIMSS21 badge, they will have satisfied the Right of Entry requirements and will be able to move freely about the HIMSS21 campus.

Masks on the HIMSS21 Campus

Masks will be supported but not required on the HIMSS21 campus. Because all attendees, exhibitors and HIMSS staff must comply with the Right of Entry requirement, registrants will not be required to wear masks on the HIMSS21 campus.

Visit the HIMSS21 Health & Safety Hub for complete details and protocols.

Anyone who cannot comply or chooses not to comply with the HIMSS21 onsite Health and Safety requirements are encouraged to explore the HIMSS21 Digital experience. HIMSS21 Digital content and programming is a unique extension of HIMSS21, taking place within a best-in-class digital environment with access to content tailored for convenient online experiences.

HIMSS will continue to assess evolving public health guidance regarding large gatherings and will provide updates and additional guidance as planning is refined. HIMSS continues to encourage all attendees, exhibitors and HIMSS staff to follow all applicable regulations and make informed choices about travel, onsite and external engagement.

About the author

John Lynn

John Lynn is the Founder of HealthcareScene.com, a network of leading Healthcare IT resources. The flagship blog, Healthcare IT Today, contains over 13,000 articles with over half of the articles written by John. These EMR and Healthcare IT related articles have been viewed over 20 million times.

John manages Healthcare IT Central, the leading career Health IT job board. He also organizes the first of its kind conference and community focused on healthcare marketing, Healthcare and IT Marketing Conference, and a healthcare IT conference, EXPO.health, focused on practical healthcare IT innovation. John is an advisor to multiple healthcare IT companies. John is highly involved in social media, and in addition to his blogs can be found on Twitter: @techguy.

   

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