A Cranston, R.I.-based dentist has publicly said he will defy the state's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all healthcare providers, according to The Providence Journal.
"I won't be vaccinated by tomorrow," Stephen Skoly, DMD, told the Journal Sept. 30.
All healthcare workers in Rhode Island must be vaccinated by Oct. 1 — a deadline set by Democratic Gov. Dan McKee — or risk losing their license.
The dentist said he hopes his defiance will prompt the state to review the mandate. Dr. Skoly also said he wants the state to offer a medical exemption for individuals who have acquired natural immunity to COVID-19, noting that he had the disease in December. Dr. Skoly said he isn't aware of any standard for determining what level of antibodies confers immunity.
"I'm not an anti-vaxxer," Dr. Skoly said. "I recommend it when it's appropriate."
The dentist voiced concern about his Lyme disease, adding that some individuals with Lyme disease have reported flare-ups of the disease after vaccination.
Dr. Skoly said he doesn't know what the health department will do about his work with various state-run facilities.
Beginning Oct. 1, the dentist said he will post a notice at his practice informing patients that he is not vaccinated.
The state will audit various licensed healthcare providers to ensure compliance with the mandate, Joseph Wendelken, spokesperson for the state health department, told the Journal.