COVID-19 Vaccination Required of ALL Employees in 2022

Subject: COVID-19 vaccination required of ALL employees in 2022

Date: Mon, 11 Oct 2021 09:28:58 -1000

From: Office of Human Resources <announce@hawaii.edu>

To: announce@hawaii.edu

Aloha UH employees,

Effective January 3, all UH employees, including those who are teleworking, will be required to be fully vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus OR have an approved medical or religious exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The requirement is outlined in the UH COVID-19 Vaccination Policy posted today, Monday, October 11. This policy supersedes the COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Policy effective August 23, 2021 through January 2, 2022. Employees who do not comply will be subject to progressive discipline, up to and including discharge. A similar policy was established for students, requiring vaccination to enter a UH site.

The policy is based on the latest federal and state guidance and made in consultation with the UH President COVID-19 Team and the UH Health and Well-Being working group, made up of UH medical and public health experts. The three unions representing UH employees were also consulted.

As the policy states, “the COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are highly effective at preventing COVID-19, as well as at preventing serious illness even in those who do contract COVID-19. A fully vaccinated campus community enables the best opportunity for a healthy return to high-quality face-to-face teaching, learning and research.”

Employees who are partially vaccinated as of January 3, 2022, will be required to provide a regular negative test result until two weeks after their final shot. Employees who receive an approved medical or religious exemption from COVID-19 vaccination will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test weekly for a PCR test or every three days for an Antigen test. Employees seeking medical or religious exemptions related to the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy should inquire with their HR office.

 The OHR website has been updated with additional guidance related to the January 3 policy.

Employee information related to the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

If you have any questions, please contact your HR representative or email COVID19@hawaii.edu.

Mahalo for your time and understanding,

UH Office of Human Resources