All employees, residents, contractors and volunteers will need to be vaccinated at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale, the first elder care community in New York that received the COVID-19 vaccine.

CEO Daniel Reingold said he made the announcement to give “people an opportunity to get more educated about the safety of the vaccine, to learn whatever they need to learn about how important and safe and effective it is."

The deadline is Oct. 1.

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More than 80% of staff and 87% of its residents are fully vaccinated so far. The hope is that the requirement will help close the gap.

The vaccine will be required at all its long-term care, independent and assisted living facilities. The Hebrew Home at Riverdale will be reaching out to those who haven't been vaccinated to address their concerns and will continue to offer for free weekly vaccinations.

Nurse educator Aleta Ashley said she also believed now is the time to mandate vaccinations.

“Some of the staff is still uncertain for various reasons, but…they have to come to the realization that for the safety of our staff, for the safety of our residents, that it's necessary,” she said.