The President’s vaccination mandate and how it affects the Smithsonian

If you have not been vaccinated, the time for grappling with the decision is over. Now is the time to get your first shot.

Last week President Biden signed an Executive Order requiring all employees and contractors at executive branch agencies to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The Smithsonian also will require all Smithsonian employees (federal and trust), affiliated staff (including volunteers, interns, and fellows), and the contractors who work with us to be fully vaccinated by November 22, 2021, except in limited circumstances where a person is legally entitled to a reasonable accommodation. This requirement applies not only to employees, affiliated staff, and contractors who are working on-site but also to those teleworking in whole or in part. You will be hearing more about implementation in the coming weeks.

The Smithsonian has been entrusted with caring for the nation’s cultural and scientific heritage while preparing us for our shared future as a global community. We must show that same care for the shared future of the communities where we live and work, where we tirelessly educate, inform, and inspire. Each and every one of us must do what we can to stop the spread of this virus, to keep ourselves healthy so we can continue serving our mission, and to lead by example.

Many of you are already vaccinated—thank you. If you have not been vaccinated, the time for grappling with the decision is over. Now is the time to get your first shot.

Thank you, as always, for the care you have shown for our community. We are in this together, and together we will move forward.

Sincerely,

Lonnie G. Bunch
Secretary

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