The U.S. Department of Justice, in an opinion made public this week, stated that workplaces and other entities are not prohibited from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for their workers.
The DOJ, in a July 6 memorandum to President Joe Biden, concluded that the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, doesn’t prohibit such mandates related to vaccines that are subject to an Emergency Use Authorization.
The DOJ said the language of the act “specifies only that certain information be provided to potential vaccine recipients and does not prohibit entities from imposing vaccination requirements.”
Employers hoping that widespread COVID-19 vaccinations could enhance their workplace safety protocols are treading lightly when it comes to requiring the shots for their employees.