Posted July 1, 2022
The Coronavirus has now been around for over two years, and with that length of time, vaccine developments have occurred. While this is a step forward for many, some still choose not to get the vaccine for a variety of reasons. With this comes different restrictions, ranging from travel, concerts, social gatherings, work, and many others. The question now is, how many restrictions are fair for being unvaccinated? This question is possibly most important when it comes to restrictions for work, where people make their livelihood.
Reasonings for Being Unvaccinated
The first way to look at it is, why do you choose to stay unvaccinated? Is it personal? Is it something out of your control? Some of the most common reasons people are unvaccinated are:
- Belief that the vaccine doesn’t work
- Fear of the side effects
- Medications prohibit them from getting vaccines
- Religious beliefs on vaccines
- Worried the vaccine hasn’t been around long enough to know it’s safe
- Medical conditions don’t allow them to be vaccinated
Protocols for the Unvaccinated
While looking at unvaccinated people in the workplace, companies have their own protocols that they feel are best for their situation. These are generally rules that are meant to keep the vaccinated and unvaccinated themselves as safe as possible, due to the increase in ability for COVID-19 to be transferred from unvaccinated people. Some rules inside of offices have included simple guidelines such as wearing a mask while working and social distancing. Others are more intense, and possibly more of an annoyance to the unvaccinated, such as testing on a routine schedule to make sure you’re negative and working remotely from home.
With these guidelines, though, has come conflict amongst the two groups. In some offices, it has seemed like the two groups are fighting for their rights, feeling as though the other group doesn’t care about them. The vaccinated complain to HR that they are being put at risk working in the same environment as people that aren’t protected from the virus, while the unvaccinated state it’s unfair that only they have to wear masks and abide by extra rules. While some may feel it’s right to give out different rules because of the virus, Attorney Christina Janice states, “Applying different workplace privileges or safety requirements to workers based on vaccination status increases the risk of discrimination claims”. What to do in this situation is a slippery slope, and it’s difficult for employers to make decisions to please everyone.
Actions Employers Take
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, companies are allowed to require all workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to continue in their office. While not all employers take this measure, the ones who do have conditions they must acknowledge. Reasonable accommodations must be considered for people who have chosen to not be vaccinated due to legitimate medical reasons or religious beliefs being upheld.
Has Your Workplace Been Affected Based on Vaccinations?
Do you feel as though you have been negatively affected by your workplace when it has come to COVID-19 and being unvaccinated? Contact COVID-19 Injury Lawyers and learn about your rights within your office.
Posted in COVID-19.