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Is there a religious exemption to vaccine work requirements?

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415.925.5161

Is there a religious exemption to vaccine work requirements?

Employees may request a COVID-19 vaccine exemption based on a sincerely held religious belief. To qualify for a religious exemption, the employee must show they have a bona fide and well-documented belief that prevents them from getting vaccinated. Additionally, the belief must be religious rather than scientific or secular.

Under San Francisco’s health order, there are limited religious beliefs that qualify for a vaccine exemption. For example, veganism, a desire to live a pure lifestyle, distrust of the government or fear of possible side effects do not qualify as religious beliefs that warrant an exemption.

Employers must consider each exemption request on a case-by-case basis. When an employee qualifies for a religious exemption, the employer is required to discuss reasonable accommodations.

Some types of reasonable accommodations include allowing the employee to transfer to a different position or regularly get tested for COVID-19. Employers are not required to provide accommodations if doing so would cause undue hardship to their business.

Unvaccinated individuals who qualify for a religious exemption and work in a high-risk setting must wear a well-fitted mask. They must also undergo COVID-19 testing at least once per week. However as COVID is still a relatively new disease the legal regulations governing vaccine exemptions may be subject to change.

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Client testimonials

I can honestly say that my experience with Bryan was all the way positive from day one… We had very high expectations about our case and in the end we got what we hoped for. – Roger J.

Roger J.

This law firm was the only one to answer the phone out of the 15-20 law firms that I called that day. I had a wrongful termination case and Bryan really took the time to listen and understand what happened in my situation, and he knows the law to a T. – Shanic M.

Shanic M.

I was owed wages and overtime and my employer refused to pay me. So I hired them to file a lawsuit. Bryan easily understood my very complicated case and I am happy with the results. – Ebi Z.

Ebi Z.

I didn’t have to pay anything, the firm took the whole risk of managing the case. Through the 14 months, Bryan always kept me updated, was very responsive and patient to questions I had. We achieved a resolution out of court in my favor, making me even happier about the experience. – Peter S.

Peter S.

I won my trial and I got more than I expected. Everyone in the office is so nice and helpful. Even after everything was finished I could call a few weeks after and ask questions to make sure I was protected and they are more than helpful. – Husain N.

Husain N.

I never had to pay Bryan anything up front, nor was ever pressured to settle early. We ended up settling morning of the trial. Bryan is a really sharp, aggressive, seasoned attorney and knew the law inside and out about whistleblower cases. – Kyle B.

Kyle B.