Rogge Dunn was recently interviewed during a Fox 26 Houston news segment on if employers can require vaccinations. Beginning on March 29th, all Texans are eligible to register to get the COVID-19 vaccine. As a result, many are curious about their workplace rights regarding COVID-19 vaccination. See below for a recap of the interview and to watch a video of the news segment.
Legally speaking, can employers require vaccinations?
Yes. There are only two exceptions: 1) if the employee has a disability and/or has had bad reactions to vaccines in the past, or 2) if the employee has religious beliefs against vaccinations. Otherwise, according to Dunn, employers can “require you to be vaccinated and fire you if you don’t.”
How would an employee go about filing a religious objection or showing that they have a medical condition?
Notify your employer in writing so you don’t face a “he said, she said” situation.
What is the precedent in Texas regarding employers firing employees for refusing to be vaccinated?
In the past, employers have required employees to have various vaccinations, such as measles and smallpox. According to Dunn, employers “have a duty to keep the workplace safe for their employees” under OSHA law. Because of this, courts have historically upheld employers’ rights to require vaccinations.
Watch the news segment on Fox 26 Houston below:
To contact Dallas employment lawyer Rogge Dunn, click here.
To learn more about Rogge Dunn’s legal experience, click here.