Sun Health Communities, 14719 W. Grand Ave., began its successful rollout of the coronavirus vaccine into the arms of those in the 1A group in December with a great sense urgency to protect its residents on its three senior living campuses.

As doses came in, frontline nurses, team members and residents were eager to stick their arms out, in order to get the first dose of protection against the virus that has plagued our nation for months.

However, Sun Health is not immune to the problems facing the healthcare industry as a whole. As many employers have discovered several team members were not as excited about getting the vaccine.

So instead of waiting, Sun Health announced it will be providing a cash bonus for employees who take the vaccine and, if needed, paid time off should side effects prevent someone from being able to work. 

“Just as the new federal administration has said it’s working overtime to get vaccines to people, it is our job to be sure our employees get their vaccines, too” said Sun Health President and Chief Executive Officer Joe La Rue. “If it takes an incentive and paid time off should anyone feel side effects, we will do what is needed to secure the health and well-being of our team members and residents in the future. 

“This bonus is a way to recognize our employees for all of their hard work during COVID-19. It also demonstrates our faith that the CDC’s and other health agencies’ research and commitment to the safety of the vaccine will help us meet our continued commitment to protecting our residents, some of whom are identified as the most vulnerable when it comes to this virus.”

To date, Sun Health has provided hundreds of shots to residents and team members during clinics held on its Phoenix-area campuses in Surprise, Sun City West and Litchfield Park.