The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) has announced that HIMSS21 will require all attendees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. The conference is scheduled for August 9-13 in Las Vegas.
All exhibitors and HIMSS employees are also required to be fully vaccinated. The new regulations include all COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorized for emergency use by the FDA or World Health Organization.
“After careful consideration and consultation with internal and external health and safety experts, HIMSS has determined that HIMSS21 can be the most robust, productive and interactive conference possible by requiring vaccinations for entry,” according to updated safety information on the organization’s website.
If attendees, exhibitors or staff members are unable to demonstrate that they have been fully vaccinated, they will not be allowed on the premises. Though HIMSS has said it is still “assessing solutions for validating vaccination status,” it is expected that it will be easy to display your status at the same time your HIMSS21 badge is being checked.
Other COVID-minded policies will also be in place. Seating options may be modified during sessions, for example, and speakers will be instructed to use “face shields or other protective measures.” The exhibition hall will also include a variety of sanitization resources.
At this time, HIMSS has not determined if every attendee will be required to wear a mask. A decision is expected by July.
A virtual version of the conference, HIMSS21 Digital, will be available for anyone who can’t attend in person.
Click here for more information on HIMSS21 in Las Vegas.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.