Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Aug. 23, CVS Health announced it would require COVID-19 vaccinations for the majority of workers. Chevron similarly is requiring most employees to receive vaccinations. And Delta Air Lines announced that unvaccinated employees who have company-provided health insurance will face $200 monthly surcharges starting Nov. 1. We've gathered articles on the news from
SHRM Online and other media outlets.
CVS Health's Mandate
CVS Health announced it would require COVID-19 vaccinations for all corporate employees and certain clinical workers who interact with patients. These employees must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 31. Pharmacists have until Nov. 30 to get the shot. "While the vast majority of our employees have chosen to be vaccinated, this decision is in direct response to the dramatic rise in cases among the unvaccinated," said CVS Health President and CEO Karen Lynch in a statement.
(The Hill)
Chevron's Requirements
Chevron, the second-largest oil producer in the U.S., now is requiring expatriate employees, workers traveling internationally and employees on U.S.-flagged ships to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. It also will require offshore workers in the Gulf of Mexico and some onshore support staff to be vaccinated by Nov. 1. The company is considering the feasibility of mandates for each Chevron business unit as well, and could implement requirements more broadly through its 47,000-member workforce.
(The Wall Street Journal)
Delta Air Lines' Surcharge
Delta Air Lines' CEO Ed Bastian cited the steep costs of covering those who are hospitalized because of COVID-19. "The average hospital stay for COVID-19 has cost Delta $40,000 per person," he said in an employee memo. "This surcharge will be necessary to address the financial risk the decision to not vaccinate is creating for our company."
(CNBC)
U.S. Military Service Members Must Get Vaccinated
In addition, after the FDA gave the Pfizer vaccine full approval, the Pentagon announced that it will send guidelines to the 1.4 million active-duty service members who will be required to get vaccinated. More states and universities also are planning to mandate vaccines in light of the news.
(The New York Times)
United Airlines' Requirements
United Airlines employees must provide proof of vaccination within five weeks of a vaccine's full approval by the FDA or by Oct. 25, whichever comes first, the airline announced before the FDA fully approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Those who provide proof by Sept. 20 will get a full day's pay, excluding employees who have already received a union-negotiated bonus for getting vaccinated. Employees who fail to comply with the new policy will be fired. But United will make exceptions for documented religious or medical reasons, as required by law.
(The New York Times)
Federal Government, Large Companies Roll Out Stricter Vaccination Policies
President Joe Biden announced on July 29 that federal employees will be required to confirm that they are vaccinated against the coronavirus or submit to frequent testing for COVID-19. Additionally, some large employers—such as Facebook and Google—will require workers to get vaccinated before returning to the office due to the surge in coronavirus cases.
(SHRM Online)
For more information, visit SHRM's
COVID-19 Vaccination Resources page.
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