Employer-Mandated Vaccination for COVID-19

Abstract

The greatest challenge to vaccination against COVID-19 may be the reluctance of large numbers of individuals to be vaccinated, including in the workplace. Many employers want their employees to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus, reassure all employees and customers, avoid potential liability, and advance public health. With medical and religious exceptions, mandatory vaccination is generally upheld, especially for health care and other hazardous employment. For most types of employment, however, employers should attempt to persuade employees of the safety and efficacy of vaccination, and they should facilitate rather than coerce compliance.

Keywords: COVID-19, Emergency use authorization, Employer mandates, OSHA, Public Health, Vaccination

JEL Classification: K31, K32