COVID vaccination mandates: who are they for? we will explain

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine has been given full approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration last week, in the hopes that Americans who have not received their vaccines will reconsider their decision. Final FDA approval follows a summer spike in coronavirus cases spurred by the delta variant, which is so virulent that it caused a slight breakthrough case in some vaccinated people.

Currently, the federal government does not require the general public to be vaccinated. But the FDA’s decision prompted it to mandate vaccinations in certain scenarios, such as entering nursing homes and other federal medical facilities. Cities, states and businesses across the country have also instituted vaccine requirements – or plan to do so soon. For example, new York and San Francisco are among the municipalities that have instituted vaccination rules for indoor activities.

The objective behind the warrants is simple. Governments want to increase the number of people fully vaccinated to curb the spread of the disease and prevent any new variants from emerging. Currently, over 51% of the United States is fully vaccinated. “The delta variant is dangerous and is spreading, causing a pandemic of unvaccinated,” President Joe Biden said during a White House press briefing on August 23. The country’s immunization program, he said, “takes us back to our loved ones and a way of life we ​​were used to.”

Here’s what you need to know about who needs to get the COVID shot, plus the latest booster injections and vaccines for children.

Members of the US military must be vaccinated

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in a memorandum on August 25 that all members of the Department of Defense should be vaccinated. The directive covers all members of the armed forces on active duty or in the ready reserve, which includes the National Guard.

For now, the Department of Defense will only need the Pfizer vaccine, but the choices will be broadened once other vaccines receive FDA approval. People who have received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines will still be considered fully vaccinated.

“These efforts ensure the safety of our military personnel and promote the readiness of our force, not to mention the health and safety of communities in the country in which we live,” Pentagon spokesman John F. Kirby said, during a briefing.

Federal employees and on-site contractors must adhere to stricter rules or get vaccinated

In the coming days, it is expected that there will be more vaccination warrants for other federal employees, press secretary Jen Psaki said during a White House briefing. However, the groups of federal employees who will see the warrants to be vaccinated have not yet been announced.

Contractors onsite at federal facilities are already required to provide proof of vaccination. If they are not vaccinated, they are required to adhere to more stringent guidelines that include wearing masks during labor, required coronavirus testing, and mandatory social distancing.

The staff of the retirement home must be vaccinated

The Biden administration has imposed vaccine requirements on workers in nursing homes that serve people on Medicare and Medicaid. “Vaccination rates among nursing home staff are significantly lower than in the rest of the country,” Biden said at a press briefing Aug. 18. “Studies show that highly immunized nursing home staff are associated with at least 30% fewer COVID-19 cases among residents of long-term care homes. “

Many States Ban COVID Vaccine Requirements

At least 20 states, including Arkansas, Florida, and Texas, prohibit proof of vaccination requirements. This means that businesses, schools and local government institutions cannot enforce an immunization mandate (the same goes for requiring face masks). The prohibitions have come into force either by law or by decree.

Some states are trying to prevent private employers, as well as the state, from requiring vaccines, according to the National Academy for State Health Policy. Some also try to prevent the use of vaccine passports, which prove that you have been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Other organizations that may require vaccination against COVID-19

Here are some companies and organizations that can legally request proof of vaccination before allowing someone on their premises.

• Cruise lines
• Airlines companies
• Restaurants and bars
• Concert halls and event halls
• Health care facilities
• Employers
• Schools

For more information, here’s what you need to know breakthrough infections among the fully vaccinated. Also, here is what we know about the delta plus variant.

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have about a health problem or health goals.