Baker Requires Executive Department Employees To Be Vaccinated

ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS — On Thursday, Governor Charlie Baker signed an executive order requiring all Executive Department employees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on or before October 17, 2021.

All Executive Department employees will be required to provide proof that they have received either the required two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by October 17, the order says.

Anyone who isn't vaccinated and doesn't have an exemption for medical or religious reasons approved by October 17 will face disciplinary action, which may include being fired, the Baker Administration said.

The Administration says they will provide further guidance in the coming weeks for employees who may be looking to seek an exemption.

The policy applies to employees working both in-person and those who are working remotely.

Employees will also have to get any booster shots of the vaccine following CDC guidance.

The Administration says Massachusetts remains a national leader when it comes to vaccinating its residents, with over 85% of adults having at least one dose. The Administration claims this supports significant progress in protecting residents, as Massachusetts has one of the lowest COVID-19 hospitalization rates in the country.

You can read the executive order here.