Latest News for Employees in Alabama
In mid-October, citing the Biden Administration vaccine mandate for employees of federal contractors, the University of Alabama and Auburn University systems announced vaccines were required for employees as a condition for employment. The deadline for being fully vaccinated is January 4th, 2022. On October 28th, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a guidance document stating “Alabama-based employers, and particularly public university employers, should liberally construe – in favor of the employee – any exemption sought by an employee for medical or religious reasons. In reviewing an employee’s request for a religious exemption, employers should not inquire into the validity of an employee’s religious beliefs, including the motives or reasons for holding the belief.”
During a special session called by Governor Ivey for redistricting and under immense pressure from constituents, 2/3 of the AL legislature voted to convene regarding vaccine mandates and two bills were passed. SB 15 requires explicit parental consent for providers who vaccinate minor children under the age of 19. SB 9 provides some protection for employees in that the employer is required to provide a simple form for medical and religious exemptions. There are no protections for employees from discrimination based on vaccination status in the workplace.
See a list of companies requiring the covid-19 vaccine.
Refusing Vaccination
- 40% of the Marines have refused vaccination.
- 62.5% of staff at skilled nursing facilities have refused the vaccination.
- 60% of 700 physicians surveyed are not vaccinated.
In May, CDC Director Walensky testified to the U.S. Senate that the CDC does not require employees to report vaccination status.
Current Law Regarding Business Customers and Students
The Alabama Vaccine Passport Ban was signed into law in the Spring of 2021 following the legislative session. This law, Act 2021-493, does NOT protect employees from being required by their employer to get the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment. The law does however protect customers and students from being required to get vaccinated. By law, nursing/tech students DO NOT have to get vaccinated in order to complete clinicals at health care facilities which require the COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment. The new law and existing code do protect your privacy and prevent discrimination against you for not sharing your vaccine history. Seek advice from your attorney before you take an unwanted COVID-19 shot or share your vaccination status with others. You might lose your right to object to sharing that information in the future. Find out more about vaccine mandates for the State of Alabama below, and write your representative if you want health freedom in Alabama.
AL Vaccine Passport Law Act 2021-493 Guidance
AL Attorney General Marshall Guidance on Vaccine Passport Ban – August 3rd
Eagle Forum Letter to Students and Employees On Rights Regarding Vaccine Mandates
On September 8th, 2021, the AL Attorney General’s Office issued a press release regarding several medical care/teaching institutions violating Alabama law regarding use of state databases to unlawfully access employee vaccine status.