COVID-19 Team Update: Vaccine Mandate Information

As previously announced, Smithsonian Institution employees (federal and trust) must be fully immunized against COVID-19 by November 22, 2021. Proof of vaccination must be provided to Occupational Health Services (OHS) by November 8, 2021, unless you have requested a medical or religious exception.

Booster shot recommendations were recently updated by the FDA. These updates recommend booster shots for everyone, though the specifics depend on which vaccine you originally received plus your personal health circumstances. The Smithsonian strongly recommends you get a booster when you are eligible (eligibility may vary by which vaccine type you originally received, when you received your last shot, and other factors). Although recommended, booster shots are not included as part of the vaccine mandate – FDA’s update does not change this.

The Smithsonian is currently entering all the vaccination records for employees who have submitted their documentation. If you have sent in proof of vaccination, please do not resubmit or email OHS to ask if they have received your documentation. Likewise, if you have already submitted your documentation but received a booster shot after reporting, you do not need to update your record with OHS at this time. When the data has been compiled, the Smithsonian will communicate how to check your record.

Similarly, religious and medical exceptions are still under consideration. Determinations have not yet been made. We recognize that employees may find it difficult to wait for information about their requests for an exception and possible accommodations. The Smithsonian is carefully reviewing the requests in light of developing federal guidance. Factors that will be considered include the basis for the request, the nature of an employee’s job responsibilities, and the reasonably foreseeable effects on the Smithsonian’s operations, including protecting other employees and the public from COVID-19.  Until determinations are made, the Smithsonian will not take any action involving the vaccine mandate against any employee with a pending exemption request.

For those of you who have already become vaccinated or submitted your requests for exception, thank you! For those of you who are not yet vaccinated, there is still time. Please make an appointment to receive your shot as soon as possible! To learn more about the vaccine mandate, including how to submit your documentation, visit Smithsonian’s Get Vaccinated website.

Stay safe, be well, and get vaccinated!
COVID-19 Response Team

Related posts:

ICYMI: Highlights from the week of October 25 – 29, 2021 The Story Behind the New 8,000-Pound Quartz at the Smithsonian The History of Violent Attacks on the U.S. Capitol Remembering Michael Collins