Can Employers Mandate COVID-19 Vaccines

Now that COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out, can employers mandate their workforce gets one? That is a good question!

According to USA Today, nearly two thirds of organizations say they will encourage employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine, and 64% of working Americans are likely to get a vaccine once available.

The answer is yes, a company could mandate that their employees get a COVID-19 vaccine. In December, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued guidance stating employers could encourage or possibly require COVID-19 vaccinations for workers.

Even though this is possible, they must comply with current workplace laws. The Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Based on EEOC guidance, some federal and state laws allow exemptions protecting the rights of employees who are not able to receive a vaccine, including those with a disability or a sincerely held religious belief. (USA Today)

The most important thing to keep in mind here is that employers are doing their best to provide a reasonably safe work environment.

If you have questions about the vaccine protocol for your company, talk to HR. They likely have a plan in place regarding a vaccination policy and will communicate their goals and priorities to the larger organization. (USA Today)

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