Vaccine-Preventable Disease Policy: New Hire COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

New BCM employees must be up to date with vaccination against COVID-19 as described by the CDC or have an approved exemption prior to starting BCM employment. Up to date is defined as current on the CDC vaccine schedule based on timing of the individual’s completed doses.

After a candidate has accepted a conditional offer, the individual must provide evidence that they are up to date with vaccination against COVID-19 or request and receive an approved exemption prior to starting BCM employment. The candidate will be sent an email with a link to submit their COVID-19 attestation or request an exemption. For new hires, if the vaccine attestation is approved, the candidate will receive an email and recruitment will schedule a start date.

BCM follows CDC guidance related to individuals being up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, “up to date” means an individual received the second dose in a two-dose series (e.g., Pfizer/Moderna) within the past five months or the single dose (e.g., J&J) within the past two months. If more than the applicable five or two months have passed for the respective vaccines, then the individual must have also received a COVID-19 booster to be considered up to date or “completely vaccinated.” Go to the CDC Website for additional information on being up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.

Yes, if you are due for a booster to be up to date per CDC guidelines. View statement above.

U.S.-based employees who do not ordinarily work on-site must comply with the policy or receive an approved exemption.

Acceptable vaccines for COVID-19 must be currently approved or authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson [J&J]/Janssen COVID-19 vaccines) or COVID-19 vaccines that have been listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization.

a. The record of immunization from a healthcare provider or pharmacy;

b. A copy of the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card;

c. A copy of medical records documenting the vaccination;

d. A copy of immunization records from a public health, state or tribal immunization information system; or

e. A copy of any other official documentation that contains the type of vaccine administered, date(s) of administration and the name of the healthcare professional(s) or clinic site(s) administering the vaccine(s).

Individuals needing new vaccination cards or copies of other documentation proving vaccination should contact the vaccination provider site where they received their vaccine. Their provider should be able to provide them with new cards or documentation with up-to-date information about the vaccinations they have received. If the location where the individual received their COVID-19 vaccine is no longer operating, the individual should contact their state or local health department’s immunization information system for assistance at https://www.dshs.texas.gov. Individuals should contact their state or local health department if they have additional questions about vaccination cards or vaccination records. Please note that BCM attestation of vaccination is not an acceptable substitute for documentation of proof of vaccination.

The candidate will be sent an email with a link to submit their COVID-19 attestation or request an exemption.  Once you click the link to complete the exemption request there will be a form that is required to complete the exemption.

Vaccine Compliance will review the documentation provided and may ask clarifying questions if needed

Individuals with a medical condition preventing them from complying with BCM vaccine policy may be eligible for an exemption from the vaccine(s) by following the exemption request process.

You may be eligible for a temporary medical exemption subject to your doctor, CDC guidance, and OHP’s review. Please discuss with your physician and, if applicable, submit a signed medical exemption request. All employees, however, are subject to BCM’s vaccine-preventable disease policy requiring complete COVID-19 vaccination, subject to approved exemptions.

Employees are required to follow additional safety measures as directed, which may include masking and physical distancing. Employees should follow up with their supervisors and department leadership to determine appropriate safety measures.

Exemptions are approved for one year. Employees may be required to request a vaccine exemption renewal as BCM directs.

Assuming the denial is not based on a correctable flaw and the exemption is denied, the candidate shall begin vaccination and submit evidence as directed.

The BCM vaccine policy does not provide an appeal process following an exemption denial.

BCM does not guarantee that an affiliate will honor a BCM vaccine exemption. Affiliates may require their own vaccine exemption process. Furthermore, BCM does not guarantee that alternate work assignments will be available if vaccination is required by an affiliate.