- COVID-19 vaccine mandates are becoming more common as businesses seek to combat the spread of the Delta variant of the virus
- Connecticut has not issued a vaccine mandate except in the case of long-term care staffers
- Tips on how businesses can establish a vaccine mandate
Summary by Dirk Langeveld
With a high vaccination rate and a limited increase in COVID-19 cases when compared with other states, Connecticut has taken a cautious approach on vaccine mandates. However, the increase in infections, hospitalizations, and deaths caused by the spread of the virus’s Delta variant may have more businesses considering whether they should require workers and visitors to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Governor Ned Lamont has issued an executive order requiring staff at long-term care facilities to be vaccinated. In other industries, the decision on a vaccine mandate is up to employers.
Connecticut who want to establish a COVID-19 vaccine mandate should be aware of legal issues and other considerations. The Connecticut Business & Industry Association recently shared tips on this topic, including:
- Deciding whether your company will provide time off to employees to get the vaccine and recover from any side effects
- Considering what accommodations may be made for employees who refuse to get a vaccine due to a disability or other reasons
- Understanding how company policies should be updated based on a vaccine mandate
- Consulting with an attorney to make sure any vaccine mandate is compliant with the law
