Today, the FDA granted full approval for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, paving the way for Oregon’s vaccine mandate for healthcare providers and healthcare staff in healthcare settings and K-12 school staff. Based on the previous press conference by Governor Brown, it is now assumed that October 18th is the deadline in which covered employees must be fully vaccinated.
As we previously alerted, Governor Brown announced that by October 18th or 6 weeks after full FDA approval, whichever is later, COVID-19 vaccinations will become mandatory for healthcare providers and healthcare staff in healthcare settings as well as for all K-12 school teachers, educators, staff and volunteers. Accordingly, October 18th is the later of the two dates in which staff covered under these rules must be fully vaccinated.
Covered employers must still consider reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or due to an employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs. Examples of accommodations include:
- Working a modified shift or schedule;
- Requiring periodic tests for COVID-19;
- Remote work; or
- Being reassigned
If no reasonable accommodations are available, some employees could face termination.
Cascade is actively monitoring this situation and will keep you updated with any new information.