Q: I am pregnant and my employer tells me I must take a covid-19 booster to keep my employment. Recommendation options?
I voluntarily took the vaccine last year before my pregnancy. Now that I am pregnant I do NOT feel safe taking any booster shots. There is no guarantee or evidence that can prove my unborn child will be safe from it and that my child won't have any health or medical complications from it now or later in its life. I asked my doctor for a medial exemption and he declined. My employer is saying that my only accommodation is medical or religious. On several occasions I have worked from home 8hrs and other times half days in the office and half at home. I would ultimately like to be accomadated during my pregnancy and after giving birth then I can decide to take the booster. What can I do to secure and prevent me from termination of my employment?
A:
If you have a closely held religious belief that prevents you from taking the vaccine, you will need to present that information to your employer. But keep in mind whether you claim a medical or religious exemption, the accommodation is still not automatic. The employer should try to accommodate your restriction if it is capable of doing so. If it is not possible to accommodate your restriction without creating undue hardship, you still can be terminated.
Your other option is to take a pregnancy-related leave of absence until a baby is born and get a booster shot after the birth.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Maya L. Serkova
1 user found this answer helpful
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