As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread, many governments and organizations have implemented vaccine mandates for certain types of workers. However, some people may be at risk of an adverse reaction due to an allergy to one of the components of the vaccine or a medical condition, or may refuse vaccination due to a sincere religious belief. In this article, we'll explore the exemptions available for those who cannot or choose not to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Last year, many federal, state and local officials launched incentive programs, emphasized personal responsibility, and deployed mobile vaccination units in an effort to increase vaccination rates against COVID-19. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that all healthcare workers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid.
The laws of Alabama and Iowa eliminate the requirement for medical evidence for exemptions from the Covid-19 vaccine, directly putting them at odds with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and federal law. Section 381.00317 prohibits COVID-19 vaccination mandates from private employers, unless the employer provides employees with certain individual exemptions from the vaccination requirement. Greg Abbott issued an executive order prohibiting all employers in Texas from seeking vaccination against COVID-19, and the Tennessee legislature has just passed a measure that seeks to achieve the same result by prohibiting employers from asking employees if they have been vaccinated. This decision establishes a uniform COVID-19 vaccination standard for workers at facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid.
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has reviewed and approved all CDC ACIP recommendations related to COVID-19 vaccines. As described in their immunization exemption policy, with the exception of policies that allow rejection due to a documented allergy or medical contraindication, the AAFP does not support immunization exemption policies. The Florida State Department of Health has enacted forms for employees to use with respect to exemptions. As rejection of vaccines continues, so does the pressure, largely driven by political motives, to expand employees' ability to apply for a medical exemption. Private employers are prohibited from imposing COVID-19 vaccines on employees without the opportunity for employees to obtain an exemption. CDC, AAFP, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and others strongly recommend that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding get vaccinated against COVID-19.
