Workplace COVID-19 Vaccine Policies: What Employers Need to Know Now

Summary

As the government poises to roll out the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine, employers face the challenge of developing vaccine policies for their workforce. While eager to get employees back on-site, there is a host of significant legal issues employers must consider.

In this informative program, we’ll provide practical guidance on navigating those legal landmines, and equip you with the information you need to develop an effective policy for your organization. Join us as we discuss:

• The latest data on the vaccines’ availability and distribution plan
• The EEOC’s position on requiring that all your employees get vaccinated
• HIPAA, ADA, GINA, and Title VII issues that may arise – and how to handle them
• Best practices for gaining employee buy-in to get vaccinated
• Considerations for working with unions on executing your vaccination program

Program Highlights

Answers to Burning Questions Employers Are Asking Now

• Can I require all my employees to be vaccinated?
• What if an employee voices an objection to vaccination?
• What if an employee has a disability that prevents her from being vaccinated?
• If I provide a vaccine only to our older workers, is that legally permissible?
• Is the company liable if an employee has an adverse reaction to a vaccine?
• May I require employees get the vaccine on their own and at their own expense?

Key Considerations When Developing a Workplace Vaccine Policy

• EEOC’s position on ADA, age, and religious discrimination claims involving mandatory vaccination
• HIPAA, ADA, and GINA confidentiality issues you need to know
• Best practices for encouraging or mandating employee vaccination
• Understanding workers’ compensation coverage issues
• Union negotiation and notification requirements

Up to the Minute Information on the COVID-19 Vaccine

• Latest information on COVID-19 vaccines’ availability
• COVID-19 vaccines’ effectiveness in protecting your employees
• Current CDC guidelines – where they stand now

About the Speaker

Jim Castagnera holds a J.D. and Ph.D. (American Studies) from Case Western Reserve University. He practiced law for 36 years, before retiring in June 2019: 10 years as a labor, employment, and intellectual-property attorney with Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr; 3 years as general counsel for Wharton Econometric Forecasting Associates; and 23 years as the associate provost & legal counsel for academic affairs at Rider University. His academic career also includes stints as a faculty member at UT-Austin and Widener Law School, and communication director at Case Western Reserve. Currently, he devotes his time to a wide range of professional activities, including writing, teaching, training, consulting, and the continued practice of law. He is the chief consultant for Holland Media Services, LLC, a freelance writer, training, and communications company with offices in Los Angeles and Philadelphia. He also is president of Casta Volte Due, Inc., a day-trading company; Of Counsel to Washington International Business Counsel; and, an adjunct professor of law at Drexel University.

Program Benefits

In this 60-minute program, you’ll learn the information you need to develop an immunization policy that meets legal requirements. Plus, you’ll be able to create an effective communication plan to get employees on board with your plan.