The Mayo Clinic fired 700 employers who refused to comply with the hospital's COVID-19 vaccine policy

Employees - who were informed of the mandate in July - had until Monday to either get their first shot or obtain a medical or religious exemption

Approximately 99 percent of the Mayo Clinic workforce complied 

The hospital's mandate has faced scrutiny with 38 lawmakers having written a letter to the clinic protesting the decision 

However, some people - including current hospital employees - have issued support for the mandate, saying it is in the best interests of workers and patients