By Ben Banchs

October 1, 2021

OPM has released new guidance concerning the vaccine requirement for federal employees. The guidance reiterates the November 22nd deadline for employees to be fully vaccinated unless they have a legal exception. It also clarifies which vaccines are recognized by OPM, and also how the requirement applies to new hires. 

It is important to note that employees are required to be fully vaccinated by November 22nd. That means that they must receive their second dose by November 8th. 

For those that have not received their second dose by November 8th, the Agency can begin their enforcement of the requirement on November 9th. That does not mean they can terminate an employee on November 9th, that means they will more than likely be counselled about the vaccine mandate and will be ordered to get vaccinated. At that time the employee will be provided one more opportunity to begin the vaccination process. OPM recommends they be provided 5 days to comply with the first dose after that initial counseling. If an employee does not comply after they are counselled and ordered then the Agency can begin the disciplinary process up to and including termination. It's important to note that the guidance makes clear that immediate termination is not the only option. 

Please read the guidance below as it is very well written and easy to understand. Also, employees should keep in mind that any guidance or communication you receive about the vaccine mandate, especially any communications that deal or affect conditions of employment, needs to be cleared by the Union. 

OPM Memo on Current and New Employee Vaccine Requirements - October 1, 2021

OPM Memo on Enforcement of Vaccine Requirement - October 1, 2021

OPM FAQs on EVaccine Enforcement Guidance - October 1, 2021