As More Jurisdictions Make Vaccination Mandatory, Federal Government Plays Catch-up

Across the nation school districts, cities, and private employers have spent the summer making vaccination mandatory for people to take part in all aspects of life, including going to the gym, returning to work, or attending a concert. Now, with the full FDA approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, the federal government has weighed in. 

Under President Biden’s plan, which has yet to be fleshed out or made enforceable, nearly all federal and many private sector workers, more than 100 million Americans, would be required to be vaccinated or risk serious penalties, including employment termination. At this point, the president has merely directed OSHA to draft specific rules. Significant questions remain about whether remote workers can be required to be vaccinated and how booster shots will play into OSHA’s eventual guidelines. 

Here in New York, the City of New York already requires people to be vaccinated for indoor dining,  indoor fitness, and indoor entertainment. Residents must provide a CDC vaccination card, NYC vaccination record, Excelsior pass, or have the NYC Covid Safe app on their mobile phone. The city has directed businesses to surveil and enforce these rules. 

We will provide an additional post when and if OSHA develops actual guidelines based on the President’s request.