The federal government’s COVID vaccination requirement legislation is currently on hold. However, many state and local legislators are implementing their own vaccine requirements — and in several cases, bans and limitations.
As of today, there are 22 states with COVID-19 vaccination requirements for certain types of employees, namely nursing home and healthcare workers. Of these state plans, some are using “vaccinate or terminate” strategies while others allow employees to partake in weekly testing.
There are also 12 state laws that ban business owners from mandating vaccinations among employees or punish workers based on their vaccination status.
These laws are constantly changing. We will update this article as more states implement regulations around what you can and cannot do in terms of COVID vaccination requirements.
You can also take a look at your state labor law guide to learn more about legislation in your area.
States with COVID-19 vaccination requirements
California
Employees of health and human services facilities must receive a vaccine. State employees, as well as those of private and public school, must be fully vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.
Colorado
All state employees must receive vaccines or undergo weekly testing. Licensed healthcare employees must receive the vaccine.
Connecticut
Long-term healthcare facility employees and childcare workers must receive the vaccine or undergo weekly testing. Non-compliant facilities will pay a fine of $2,000 per day until they comply.
Delaware
The following types of employees must receive the vaccine or undergo weekly testing:
- Long-term care and other healthcare facilities
- Public and private school educators, staff, contractors, and volunteers
- State employees
District of Columbia
Public school and city employees must receive the vaccine or undergo weekly testing. All healthcare workers must receive the vaccine. Employees can receive religious or medical exemptions, but they must undergo weekly testing.
Hawaii
State and county employees, including public school employees, and state contractors must receive the vaccine or undergo weekly testing.
Illinois
State employees who work in congregate care facilities must be fully vaccinated. Healthcare workers, school personnel, and childcare employees must receive the vaccine or undergo weekly testing.
Maine
Healthcare workers, EMS personnel, and dentists must be vaccinated or be excluded from the workplace during the public health emergency.
Maryland
State employees of congregate care facilities and nursing home or hospital workers must be vaccinated or be subject to strict mask protocols and weekly testing.
Massachusetts
Employees of long-term care facilities, as well as state executive branch personnel, must receive the vaccine.
Minnesota
State employees who are working in person must be fully vaccinated.
Nevada
State employees must receive the vaccine or undergo weekly testing.
New Jersey
Healthcare facility employees and state contractors must receive the vaccine or undergo weekly testing. State employees and school personnel must receive the vaccine or undergo testing at least once or twice a week at minimum.
New Mexico
State and school employees must provide proof of vaccination or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask while in the workplace. All hospital and congregate care employees must receive the vaccine or qualify for an exemption.
New York
All state employees and school personnel must receive the vaccine or undergo weekly testing. Healthcare workers must receive the vaccine.
North Carolina
State employees must receive the vaccine or undergo weekly testing. They must also wear a mask at the workplace.
Oregon
State employees, healthcare workers, and school personnel must be fully vaccinated.
Pennsylvania
State employees in healthcare congregate-care facilities must receive the vaccine or undergo weekly testing.
Rhode Island
Healthcare facility employees must be fully vaccinated.
Vermont
State executive branch employees must be fully vaccinated or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask at work.
Washington
State executive branch employees, on-site contractors, volunteers, public and private healthcare workers, and workers in educational settings must be fully vaccinated.
States that prohibit vaccination requirements
Alabama
Private businesses may not refuse to serve a customer based on their vaccination status.
Arizona
COVID-19 vaccination requirements are prohibited.
Arkansas
Vaccinations cannot be required as a condition of employment, except for state-owned medical facilities.
Florida
Businesses may not require customers to provide proof of vaccination.
Georgia
State and local governments may not require individuals to provide proof of vaccination for access to government facilities and services.
Idaho
State and local governments may not require individuals to provide proof of vaccination for access to government facilities and services.
Michigan
Entities that receive public funding, aside from healthcare facilities, may not require vaccines as a condition of employment.
Montana
Businesses may not refuse to provide services or goods from someone based on vaccination status.
New Hampshire
Vaccinations may not be a condition to receive public goods or services.
South Dakota
State employees may not be required to receive the vaccination as a condition of employment.
Tennessee
Policies requiring COVID-19 vaccines are prohibited. Businesses can’t require customers to provide proof of vaccination.
Utah
Businesses that require vaccinations as a condition of employment must allow workers to submit exemptions. Employers must pay for COVID-19 tests.
Remember: This is not legal advice. If you have questions about your particular situation, please consult a lawyer, CPA, or other appropriate professional advisor or agency.
