Qualify for a medical or religious exception? Here’s how to apply.
- Review the legal standards for medical and religious exceptions:
- You may be eligible for a medical exception if you have a condition which makes you ineligible for the vaccine or where your healthcare provider has recommended you may not receive a vaccine. For example, if you have a condition which is contraindicated by the vaccine, or a disability which prevents you from receiving the vaccine.
- You may be eligible for a religious exception if you have a sincerely held religious belief which prevents you from being vaccinated. Note that this exception does not include social, philosophical, economic, or political beliefs.
- Download a form for a medical exception or a religious exception.
- Complete the appropriate form and return it to the Human Resources Business Partner assigned to your bureau which can be found here.
A Business Partner will review your form and may ask you for additional information or documentation. If your request is approved, you will be offered a reasonable accommodation. If your request is denied, you may appeal the denial in accordance with the procedures set out in HRAR 2.06.
If your exception is approved, you will be required to follow all workplace guidelines for unvaccinated employees. You can expect to receive a detailed policy by Oct. 18.
If your exception request is denied, you will be required to be fully vaccinated, or be in-process to get vaccinated, or be separated from the City. Your bureau director and direct supervisor will be informed.
The City considers your vaccination status to be confidential medical information and will not share that information without your authorization or an agency or court order.
Following Sept. 17, your bureau director and direct supervisor will receive a list of employees who have not yet submitted proof of vaccination, applied for an exception, or shared their plans for vaccination for workforce-planning purposes.