Employers Can Require Workers to Get Covid Vaccine

We’re finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel; however, we’re not quite out of the woods yet. With new scary variants and some vaccine hesitancy by many, we could go back to the frightening reality that was 2020 with the wrong luck. That’s why, in an effort to curb the pandemic once and for all, employers can now require vaccination.

Vaccines are a complicated subject and I’m somewhat in the middle. Without a doubt, vaccines have prevented very serious diseases from spreading, like polio or the whooping cough, but many of them have controversial ingredients like mercury, aluminum, or monkey cells (ugh) that can cause serious side effects for some people. However, in the case of Covid, getting vaccinated is pretty much the only right answer. The alternative is either you get Covid-19 and experience potentially deadly side effects, or you become a hermit and never leave the house.

According to new guidance issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, employers can legally require COVID-19 vaccination for employees to re-enter the workplace and can provide incentives to encourage employees to get a shot. Companies are also required to provide a safe workplace based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.

What happens if an employee refuses to take the shot? Employees who don’t get vaccinated due to a disability, religious belief, or other reasons may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation, the commission said. This could mean requiring a face mask, physical distancing, modified shifts, telework arrangements, or work reassignment.