COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
Drafted: 11/05/2021 Approved: 11/08/2021
In an effort to provide and maintain a safe library environment, the Croton Free Library has established this policy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by requiring vaccinations for all employees. This policy is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local health authorities as applicable. The Croton Free Library is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities that prevent them from receiving a COVID-19 vaccination and recognizes true and genuine observances of faith as it pertains to the practice of immunization.
Scope
All employees (full-time and part-time) are required to receive by January 1, 2022, the complete COVID- 19 vaccination, as authorized or approved and as updated thereafter by the FDA, unless a reasonable accommodation for medical reasons or because of a sincerely held religious belief is approved. Employees not in compliance with this policy will be placed on unpaid leave until their employment status is determined by the Library Director.
Proof
By January 1, 2022, all employees are required to fill-out the Self-Certification of Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Status form and provide proof of vaccination (in the form of the NYS Excelsior Pass or CDC- issued physical vaccination card) and updates as necessary. Employees claiming exemption due to a medical reason or because of a sincerely held religious belief must submit a completed Religious/Medical Request for Accommodation form by January 1, 2022 to avoid being placed on unpaid leave. If the request for exemption is denied, the employee will have ten (10) days from the date of the notice of the denial to receive the vaccine (either a single dose vaccine or first dose of the two-dose vaccine) or will be placed on unpaid leave until their employment status is determined by the Library Director. Employees who do not comply with this Policy by January 1, by completing the Self-Certification and either providing proof of vaccination or submitting a completed Religious or Medical Request for Accommodation will be placed on unpaid leave. Please note that all information submitted by employees pursuant to this Policy will be maintained in confidential files and kept separate from personnel files.
Reasonable Accommodation
Employees requesting an exemption from this policy due to a medical reason, or because of a sincerely held religious belief must submit a completed Religious/Medical Request for Accommodation form to the Library Director to begin the accommodation process as soon as possible after vaccination deadlines have been announced, but no later than January 1, 2022. Religious/Medical accommodations could be granted
if they do not cause the Croton Free Library undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. All decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
After January 1, 2022, all employees with granted accommodations or whose requests for accommodation are still pending will be required to comply with COVID-19 testing and other preventive requirements, as determined by the Library and in accordance with federal, state and local health guidance.
My signature below indicates that I have read and understand the above-mentioned statements and I understand that it is my responsibility to read and comply with this policy. I further understand that I should consult the Library Director regarding any questions raised by this policy.