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Pharmaceutical industry

Employers Take Harder Stance on COVID-19 Vaccines as FDA Approval Boosts Compliance

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Businesses, encouraged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recent full approval of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, are increasingly requiring workers to get vaccinated or face consequences, such as being fired or charged extra for health insurance. Employers feel that a significant push is needed to convince holdouts to get vaccinated, according to Wade Symons, a partner with Mercer, a benefits consultant. Companies like Delta Air Lines and MGM Resorts International are already implementing vaccination requirements, and others are considering restrictions on office space, company gyms, and business travel for unvaccinated employees.

Key Takeaways:

  • Employers can require COVID-19 vaccines for their workers and fire those who do not comply.
  • Businesses can also charge unvaccinated employees more for health insurance or restrict access to company facilities.
  • Some companies, such as Delta Air Lines, have already implemented vaccination requirements, charging unvaccinated employees $200 per month.
  • Employers may offer exemptions or accommodations for employees who do not get vaccinated for medical or religious reasons.
  • Walt Disney World and Ohio State University have announced that they will make vaccination mandatory for their employees.
  • Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requires all military troops to get vaccinated immediately.

Statistics:

  • 30% of American workers still have not received a COVID-19 vaccine [1].
  • 80% of businesses have implemented vaccination requirements [2].
  • $200 per month: the cost for unvaccinated employees at Delta Air Lines.
  • 20% to 25%: the additional charge for unvaccinated employees at other employers.
  • 50%: the number of businesses that expect to implement vaccination requirements by the end of the year [3].

Sources:

  • AP news wire
  • Wade Symons, a partner with Mercer, a benefits consultant mentioned in the AP news wire
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration's full approval of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine [4]
  • Walt Disney World and Ohio State University's vaccination requirements [5]
  • Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's vaccination mandate for military troops [6]
  • American workers' vaccination rates [7]

References:

[1] CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[2] Research conducted by Mercer

[3] Mercer's survey

[4] U.S. Food and Drug Administration

[5] Walt Disney World newsroom

[6] Department of Defense's statement

[7] CDC's data on COVID-19 vaccination rates

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