Has the government mandated that people get a COVID-19 vaccination?

Federal COVID-19 vaccination requirements are changing rapidly. Many employers and educational institutions have issued their own vaccination requirements.  

What medical exemptions are available to vaccine requirements?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), employers and places of public accommodation (such as schools) must provide reasonable accommodations for people with covered disabilities. These accommodations may include exemptions from a vaccine requirement. Employers and schools may also voluntarily exempt people with certain medical conditions from vaccine requirements.  

How do I apply for a medical exemption to a vaccine requirement?

You’ll need to contact your school or employer and request an exemption. You may be asked to provide evidence to support your request. If your request is denied, you may be able to file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to pursue an exemption under the ADA.

How likely am I to receive a medical exemption?

Exemptions may be difficult to obtain. Employers and schools have broad rights to require vaccinations, and pursuing a claim under the ADA can be complicated.

This is a developing area of law, and it can be difficult to assess which claims are likely to be successful. An attorney may be able to help you determine whether and how to pursue your exemption claim.  

Can anything be done if I don't qualify for a medical exemption?

Yes, under certain circumstances, you may be able to obtain a reasonable accommodation by your employer, even if you don’t strictly qualify for a medical exemption.  

Do I need an attorney to help prepare my exemption request?

When pursuing a medical exemption, it may be useful to have someone representing you who understands the relevant areas of law. Whether you decide to retain an attorney is a personal decision that will depend on many factors, including the complexity of your claim and your ability to pay attorneys’ fees. 

What if I have a moral or religious objection to being vaccinated?

Under certain circumstances, people may qualify for a moral and/or religious exemption to a vaccine requirement. While we keep our focus on medical exemptions and accommodations, Rachel Citak, Esq. is an attorney in Ohio who represents clients with religious objections to vaccine requirements. She can be contacted at (513) 845-2121 or www.rcitaklaw.com.  

Where can I get legal help with my vaccine exemption case?

The Law Office of Dupont & Blumenstiel have represented people with vaccine-related issues for over a decade. Dupont & Blumenstiel are currently accepting clients who may have a valid claim for a medical exemption to vaccine requirements.