The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines represents the beginning of the end of a terrible pandemic and the "light at the end of the tunnel" to return to some semblance of a pre-COVID workplace. As governments around the world are developing or implementing ambitious plans to vaccinate millions of their citizenry, employers are left to ascertain their response, in light of their duties to protect workers' health and safety and the need to resume normal operations.

Littler's global team is pleased to provide you with the "COVID-19 Vaccination" report, a global guide on the legal and practical implications of the COVID-19 vaccine in the workplace.

Covering over 45 jurisdictions, this guide addresses various topics, including:

  • Can an employer require employees or applicants to be vaccinated?
  • Is there legal protection to be excused from being vaccinated (e.g., religious accommodation/disability accommodation)?
  • Are employees entitled to reimbursement for the cost of the vaccination?
  • What are the privacy implications?
  • Can employers unilaterally mandate employee vaccinations in a collective representation setting?
  • Related topics within the context of employee benefits, teleworking, etc.

Because the COVID-19 situation is dynamic, with new governmental measures each day, employers should consult with counsel for the latest developments and updated guidance.

This guide is for informational purposes only, and not intended to substitute for legal advice. For additional resources for multinational employers, please visit our COVID-19 Resources page and subscribe to Littler Global Guide, an online platform Littler developed, which enables users to create country-to-country survey comparisons on important topics.

Originally Published by Littler Mendelson, January 2021

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.