NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital issued a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all its employees.

Under the new rule, all workers will be required to get their first dose by Sept. 1 unless they can prove religious or health exemptions.

The union that represents nurses, dietary aides and engineering staff at hospitals across the country came out against the new mandate, saying no one should be forced.

"There are many reasons why people may decline getting vaccinated. It could be for religious reasons,” says George Gresham, the president of the union.

However, NewYork-Presbyterian issued a statement that says in part, “The evidence is clear that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most important and responsible action we can take as NYP team members for the safety and well-being of our patients and visitors, our communities and ourselves.”

NewYork-Presbyterian currently encourages all employees to get vaccinated, however the new mandate requires that all employees meet the September deadline for their first dose.