Some companies and states have switched from a vaccination persuasion approach to mandates, in light of the widespread spread of the Delta variant of the disease and the ongoing vaccine hesitancy across large areas of the country. Despite less than half (49%) of eligible Americans being fully vaccinated, the Biden administration has been reluctant to require widespread vaccination. The Department of Veterans Affairs announced on Monday that it would require vaccinations for its frontline workers. This was the first federal agency to do this.AdvertisementAlthough the VA's vaccination rate is approximately 70%, it is still below the national average. Officials say that this level is not sufficient to eradicate the virus and protect patients. The new requirements will apply to all patient-facing health care workers, including doctors, dentists and registered nurses. They have eight weeks to inoculate or face possible removal from their jobs, VA Secretary Denis McDonough stated Monday. Employees will be allowed to request religious or medical exemptions.AdvertisementAdvertisementSubscribe to the Slatest Newsletter Get a daily email update with the latest stories. Signing you up was not possible due to an error Please try again. To use this form, please enable jаvascript. Email address: I would like to receive updates on Slate special offers. You agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms by signing up. Thank you for signing up! You can cancel your subscription at any time.New York City and California have issued mandates to vaccinate more generalized employees of the government. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday municipal workers (about 340,000) would need to be vaccinated before September school reopens. They will also have to submit to weekly testing. California Governor Gavin Newsome announced that a similar measure would be in effect. It will require all state employees, as well as on-site private and public health care workers to be vaccinated by August 23.AdvertisementAccording to the New York Times, the VA's new mandate reflects a consensus among the private sector, health care centers and state and local governments to examine legal requirements regarding vaccine requirements in light of rising cases across the country. Numerous hospitals and health systems have made it mandatory for their employees to receive vaccines. Recent court decisions have also upheld the rights of employers to require vaccinations. A federal judge in Texas dismissed a lawsuit filed by Houston Methodist Hospital employees challenging the hospital's coronavirus vaccination requirement. A federal judge ruled last week that Indiana University may require students to get vaccinated.
