3 things to consider before requiring vaccine passports at workplace

COVID-19 vaccine passports seem to be the hot-button issue of the day. Most of the media coverage and remarks from politicians have focused on companies requiring customers, guests, or students having proof of vaccination before returning to school or entering the business. But what about employers? Can you require a new worker to present proof of vaccination as a condition of employment or provide a hiring preference to applicants who have been vaccinated?

What EEOC has said

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has made it clear that employers, with some exceptions, can require employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19. You need to make an accommodation for employees who have a disability or raise objections on the grounds of a sincerely held religious belief or practice.

The EEOC also has stated that requiring an employee to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination isn’t a disability-related inquiry. The agency, however, hasn’t squarely addressed the issue of vaccines or proof of vaccination during the hiring process.

Key factors

Logically, it would seem that if you can make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for employees, you also can require applicants to provide proof of vaccination as a condition of employment. I largely agree, but here are three factors you should consider before you require applicants to provide proof of vaccination or make getting the shots a hiring preference: