Red Cross: Vaccines a must for employee, volunteers by start of next year

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — If you want to work or volunteer for the American Red Cross, you’ll have to get vaccinated by the beginning of next year, the organization announced.

In a statement shared with News10NBC, the Red Cross says the mandate will take effect Jan. 1, 2022, and a test-out option will not be offered. A religious exemption process will be in place, however.

"Today, the majority of Red Cross employees across the country are fully vaccinated," the release said. "And the new requirement will help us reach full compliance across our organization."

To be clear, this does not apply to people looking to donate blood.