Hey Vicky,

We’re living in strange times. The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the fabric of society. From the way we work to the way we live to the way we think, everything is different now. Life as we knew it before COVID has become a distant memory.

It’s really difficult to predict how companies will respond when laws start changing for employers’ rights to require vaccinations. Some companies are already requiring the COVID-19 vaccine, some aren’t.

Vaccine mandates are still a touchy subject, even though there’s a law on the books that says they’re legal. However, that same law specifies that employers can’t fire or retaliate against employees who don’t go along with their vaccine requirements.

Companies like Facebook and Google have already made it mandatory for employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine and haven’t faced any legal troubles. This might be because the data shows that employees want vaccine mandates. 50% of Gen-Z employees would be willing to quit if their company didn’t mandate vaccines. Close to 40% of millennials and 35% of Gen X and Baby Boomers feel the same way. 

I’m sure you’ve heard the buzz of a great wave of resignations that will come with mandates, but the research is showing that it’s just talk. According to this NPR article, despite the big talk, most people won’t quit over vaccine requirements, but having those in place could spike vaccine rates.

With these new studies, it makes sense why companies would want to be able to require employees to get vaccines. The benefits outweigh the risks. There’s no denying that companies need healthy, productive workers and work environments that aren’t breeding grounds for a virus.

Additionally, like them or not, mass vaccinations are the only way to end this pandemic. There just isn’t another option available right now. The more people who are vaccinated, the faster we stop this thing for good.

Personally, I believe everyone should have the right to not be vaccinated, but they should know the consequences – to themselves and their community- of not getting the poke.

Now, back to company mandates… it’s a tough call. If an employee chooses not to get vaccinated but could pose a threat to other employees or customers, then it may be in the business’s best interest to require vaccination. 

The company should be respectful of any medical condition that prevents a person from getting the vaccine. Can those people socially distance themselves or wear a mask? Pre-existing medical conditions should not be a reason for an employee to be terminated. 

At the end of the day, I can’t answer these questions for you – only your company can. If you choose not to vaccinate yourself or your children, then you need to weigh that choice against your job and livelihood. It is a very personal decision, and ultimately there is no “one size fits all” solution.

This is a difficult decision and it’s not really something you can ask your friends or family for help with. You may want to talk with someone who doesn’t know you well, like a counselor or doctor, if you’re having trouble making this choice.

Sincerely,
Jenny