HR Tip of the week: Can an Employer Require its Employees to be Vaccinated for COVID-19?
Yes, with some exceptions. The employer should (1) have an up to date Infectious Disease and Vaccinations policy, (2) be able to demonstrate that the required vaccines are job-related and consistent with business necessity (i.e. does failure to vaccinate constitute a direct threat to other employees) and (3) have an established process for the vaccinations (i.e. consider asking employees to seek vaccinations outside of workplace while showing proof or employer contracted).
There are exceptions to this including certain employee held disabilities or sincerely held religious belief.
Visit the EEOC to learn more about vaccination requirement, exceptions and reasonable accommodations related to employer mandated vaccinations.