Can My Employer Require Me to Take the COVID-19 Vaccine Before Returning to In-Person Work?

Now that we have several Covid-19 vaccines in distribution throughout the U.S., employers and employees may be equally unsure as to whether an employer can require employees to take a vaccine and what documentation may an employer require to demonstrate proof of vaccination.

Several employers, including health systems are providing financial incentives to employees to spur vaccination. It is seen as important to ensure that employees that frequently interact with patients are vaccinated.

It is likely to be an evolving situation, but thankfully, the Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have provided some guidance here: https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-covid-19-and-ada-rehabilitation-act-and-other-eeo-laws

The EEOC site is frequently updated so do check back to make sure you are reviewing the most current information.