Covid-19 Religious Exemption

[NurseA2021]

Hello to those who have successfully obtained a religious exemption from the Covid 19 vaccine. Could you please share how you formatted your exemption letter and what you included?

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

23 minutes ago, NurseA2021 said:

Hello to those who have successfully obtained a religious exemption from the Covid 19 vaccine. Could you please share how you formatted your exemption letter and what you included?

What was the reason your religious leader said not to get the vaccine? This is the person who should be responsible for the exemption letter. 

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

My employer had their own religious exemption form that was required to be used and approved by our facilities employee health department to opt out of vaccinations. There are many examples of a "Religious Exemption for Covid-19 vaccination" forms online. 

Examples: 

Columbia  University --- personal view form or  established  Organized Religion

https://www.tc.columbia.edu/media/administration/preparedness/Request_for_Religious_Exemption_from_COVID-19_Vaccination_Form_Employees_6-10-21.pdf

 

 

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

50 minutes ago, NurseA2021 said:

Hello to those who have successfully obtained a religious exemption from the Covid 19 vaccine. Could you please share how you formatted your exemption letter and what you included?

Just wondering what your objection is, since as far as I know, no major religion outside of christian scientists & the dutch reformed church formally object to vaccination. 

[lesipsem]

On 8/23/2021 at 9:00 PM, JadedCPN said:

What was the reason your religious leader said not to get the vaccine? This is the person who should be responsible for the exemption letter. 

 For exemptions, you don't need to be a member of a religious entity or believe in a "defined" god.  However, if the employer suspects that the exemption is not in good faith, they can ask for more documentation.  

Since religious beliefs can be unique to an individual, evidence from others is not always necessary.  However, if the CP (charging party) believes such evidence will support his or her claim, the investigator could seek evidence such as oral statements, affidavits, or other documents from CP’s religious leader(s) if applicable, or others whom CP identifies as knowledgeable regarding the religious belief, observance, or practice in question that conflicts with an employment requirement.

https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/section-12-religious-discrimination#h_984461328691610748665504

Or as lawyers would say:

Religion

Title VII and similar state fair employment practices laws protect employees who refuse to take a mandatory vaccine because of sincerely held religious beliefs. Membership in a church or even a belief in God is not necessary to substantiate a religious objection. A strongly or sincerely held moral or ethical belief would also likely be covered by the law, but political or general philosophical objections likely would not be covered by Title VII.

https://www.bclplaw.com/en-US/insights/qanda-covid-workplace-vaccine-issues-for-us-employers.html

[toomuchbaloney]

I hope that very few health care businesses or employers will choose to honor fringe beliefs about vaccination.  

[jive turkey]

22 hours ago, NurseA2021 said:

Hello to those who have successfully obtained a religious exemption from the Covid 19 vaccine. Could you please share how you formatted your exemption letter and what you included?

Unless you're interested in debating the religious exemption and being met with a high degree of criticism you may be better served asking they DM that information.  Expect feedback from people who feel that allergies or medical contraindications are the ONLY reason not to get the vaccine.  You'll be told several times no religion objects to vaccination.

Anyone who has information to offer would be wise to DM it unless you're interested in rebuttals from those that oppose your view.

 

[Guest219794]

This doesn't answer your question but, since you brought it up.......

I object to religious exemptions of any kind for anything.  

I don't think that my understanding of my religion is any more legitimate than your beliefs, whether they come from a generally accepted structure or not.

Oddly, I think that for the overwhelming majority of those declining the vaccine, their beliefs are as valid as any religious beliefs.  Faith is the belief in something for which there is no evidence.

There are literally millions in this country who believe that the earth is 5,000 years old.  There are many who believe Jesus wants their leader to have a new jet.  People believe all kinds of stuff, and vaccine hesitancy is at least as rational as many religious beliefs.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

If the rationale for restricting unvaccinated persons' access to societal privileges is that they are more likely to transmit Covid and thus are a public health risk, why should it matter what the reason is for their vaccine refusal?

Makes zero sense to me. Their rationale (religious objections) doesn't make them less likely to transmit disease to the general public than someone who just doesn't like being told what to do or someone who doesn't trust a "rushed" vaccine.

If an unvaccinated person by virtue of any objection whatsoever has to sit out of certain societal privileges such as eating in restaurants, travel, attending a concert, going into stores, etc., so should people who object due to religious reasons. Why is their objection more valid than someone  else's?

[NurseA2021]

Please DM me if you have answers to the question I asked. Thanks. 

[Guest219794]

9 hours ago, Horseshoe said:

If the rationale for restricting unvaccinated persons' access to societal privileges is that they are more likely to transmit Covid and thus are a public health risk, why should it matter what the reason is for their vaccine refusal?

Makes zero sense to me. Their rationale (religious objections) doesn't make them less likely to transmit disease to the general public than someone who just doesn't like being told what to do or someone who doesn't trust a "rushed" vaccine.

If an unvaccinated person by virtue of any objection whatsoever has to sit out of certain societal privileges such as eating in restaurants, travel, attending a concert, going into stores, etc., so should people who object due to religious reasons. Why is their objection more valid than someone  else's?

While I agree with your take on social privilege, work is actually different.  There is an expectation, even laws, I believe, that a workplace make reasonable accommodations for religious, or deeply held beliefs. 

But, at a certain point, one's beliefs, whether supported by a recognized religion or not, are incompatible with the job.  For example, if your religion forbids driving, the bus company doesnot have to make accommodations.

The no vax thing is part of a belief system.  That belief system is incompatible with providing health care in a pandemic.

[SmilingBluEyes]

2 hours ago, hherrn said:

While I agree with your take on social privilege, work is actually different.  There is an expectation, even laws, I believe, that a workplace make reasonable accommodations for religious, or deeply held beliefs. 

But, at a certain point, one's beliefs, whether supported by a recognized religion or not, are incompatible with the job.  For example, if your religion forbids driving, the bus company doesnot have to make accommodations.

The no vax thing is part of a belief system.  That belief system is incompatible with providing health care in a pandemic.

Bears repeating. Bolded part mine.