Can a company force an employee to get a flu shot?
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Can a company force an employee to get a flu shot?
My company recently instituted a policy stating that all
employees have to receive a flu shot by mid December. Failure
to do so would result in a suspension that could lead to
termination. There are exceptions for medical and religious
reasons. Medical exception must be signed by a doctor. I have
neither just prefer not getting one.
Asked on October 18, 2018 under Employment Labor Law, Michigan
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Actually, an employer can require its workers to get annual flu shots (or any other vaccination). The fact is that most work relationships are "at will". This means that a company cans set the conditions of employment much as it sees fit, including mandating flu shots. The exceptions would be if such an action violates the terms of an employment contract, union agreement, would violate a worker's religious beliefs, or subject the worker to an adverse medical reaction.
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Actually, an employer can require its workers to get annual flu shots (or any other vaccination). The fact is that most work relationships are "at will". This means that a company cans set the conditions of employment much as it sees fit, including mandating flu shots. The exceptions would be if such an action violates the terms of an employment contract, union agreement, would violate a worker's religious beliefs, or subject the worker to an adverse medical reaction.
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