LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Health insurance giant Humana announced Thursday it will require full COVID-19 vaccinations for associates and select contractors who conduct work outside of their homes on behalf of the company. Director of Corporate and Financial Communications Mark Taylor said the move is "a result of the ongoing rise in infection rates of COVID-19 and its variants."

"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Humana has remained steadfast in our collective promise to put health at the center of everything we do, with the safety of our associates, members and communities as our top priority," Taylor said in an email. "And as a leader in health care innovation and community wellness, we’ve set high expectations for ourselves to deliver on that promise."

The requirement applies to those who work within Humana facilities, interact directly with members and patients and/or attend in-person meetings or training, Taylor said. It will take effect when the first vaccine receives full Food and Drug Administration approval. After that approval date, associates and select contractors will have 60 days to provide proof of full vaccination.

Taylor continued, "We have access to highly effective vaccines that are scientifically proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and the risk of hospitalization or death among those who are infected. We know a vaccinated workforce will help reduce the spread of the virus, maintain healthy work environments, and ultimately help us deliver on our commitment to human care."

Humana, headquartered in Louisville, is one of the latest companies across the U.S. to announce a vaccine mandate. The Fortune 500 company's announcement comes as hospitals across Kentucky have announced employee vaccination requirements of their own.