Benefit News
COVID-19 Vaccine is Coming!
December 08, 2020
The COVID-19 vaccine is coming and there is much to consider. As of December 8, 2020, we anticipate the Food and Drug Administration will provide an emergency approval of the numerous vaccines in testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently evaluating recommendations to identity the portion of the population who will be prioritized for vaccination. Many health plans are starting to deliver information on their approach in preparing to distribute the vaccine to millions of members. And finally, as employers, you must plan for workplace safety and whether you will require mandatory vaccinations.
Preparing:
Like all things COVID-19, information is rapidly changing and we have been fortunate that legal partners such as Fisher Phillips have developed free resources for businesses. Go to their Vaccine Resource Center to help frame your internal discussion on policy questions such as:
- If we require our employees to get a vaccine, what policies or procedures do we need to have in place?
- Can we ban employees from coming to work if they refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccine, if and when an approved vaccine becomes available?
- If we require our employees to get a vaccine, what proof of vaccination can we require?
- Can we disclose which employees have or have not been vaccinated?
- What should employers consider before requiring employees to be vaccinated?
- Should we require our employees to get a vaccine?
- What is our potential liability as a company?
Resources:
- Fisher Phillips Vaccine Resource Center also has model templates for a Vaccine Policy, Medical or Religious Exemption/Accommodation and more!
- Detailed information about Vaccine Safety, Types, Benefits and Planning at the CDC Vaccine Information page.
For additional information, please contact your Burnham Benefits Consultant or Burnham Benefits at 949-833-2983 or inquiries@burnhambenefits.com.
Burnham Benefits does not engage in the practice of law and this publication should not be construed as the providing of legal advice or a legal opinion of any kind. The consulting advice we provide is intended solely to assist in assessing its compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and other applicable federal and state law requirements, and is based on Burnham Benefit’s interpretation of federal guidance in effect as of the date of this publication. To the best of our knowledge, the information provided herein, and assumptions relied on, are reasonable and accurate as of the date of this publication. Furthermore, to ensure compliance with IRS Circular 230, any tax advice contained in this publication is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for purposes of (i) avoiding penalties imposed under the United States Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any tax-related matter.