Approximately a third of businesses still require workers to get COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a recent survey. Vaccination policies and exemption procedures need to be in place as employers hire new and seasonal workers.
Employer vaccination requirements decreased this year from 34 percent in 2021 to 32 percent, Mercer found in a survey of more than 700 employers. Fewer employers required one booster (16 percent) or two (11 percent).
If a spike in COVID-19 infections occurs this winter, 52 percent of surveyed businesses said they are providing additional paid time off for employees recovering from COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Employers have begun influenza vaccination clinics again and are encouraging employees to get the COVID-19 bivalent booster on their own, said Jeff Levin-Scherz, M.D., managing director and population health leader with WTW in Boston. "This booster requires more refrigeration than is usually available at onsite vaccination drives, and requires 15 minutes of observation, so it is less amenable to worksite vaccination drives," he stated.
Many employers now approach COVID-19 shots much like flu shots, with health promotion information and resources for receiving the shot, said Mary Kay O'Neill, a senior health consultant in total health management with Mercer in the Seattle area.
Although the dip in mandatory vaccination in the Mercer survey isn't large, said Robin Shea, an attorney with Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete in...
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