Discuss Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations Carefully

Accreditation & Quality Compliance Center
By A.J. Plunkett
December 15, 2020

Refer to your policy on influenza vaccinations as you consider whether to require employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.

Expect to deal with many of the same exemptions—such as health concerns or religious reasons—to mandatory COVID shots as you do with a mandatory flu vaccination requirement.

The Equal Employment Commission (EEOC) updated its pandemic preparedness FAQ at the start of the public health emergency (PHE) in March.

In answer to the question, “May an employer covered by the ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 compel all of its employees to take the influenza vaccine regardless of their medical conditions or their religious beliefs during a pandemic?”

Quick answer: No.