sample religious exemption letter for vaccines nj

#Sample religious exemption letter for vaccines nj series#

An employee's concerns about the use of fetal cell lines in researching the COVID-19 vaccines may also not qualify as a sincere religious belief since those same cell lines were used to develop many other vaccines, including those for hepatitis A, rubella, and rabies. As to the COVID-19 vaccine specifically, neither the Pfizer nor Moderna vaccines contain fetal cells. But an employee is not required to cite a recognized religion or religious tenet to qualify for an accommodation. A non-exhaustive list of religious faiths and their stance on vaccination is available. Most organized religions do not prohibit vaccinations. Opposition to vaccination due to veganism Ī belief that the vaccine will do more harm than good andĭistrust in the government or the science supporting vaccination. The following is a non-exhaustive list of beliefs state and federal courts have held are not religious (and therefore, standing alone, do not warrant an exemption):įear of possible side effects from immunization Ī desire to live a 'healthy' or 'pure' lifestyle Obtain a supporting statement from a religious leader or another member of their community who is familiar with the employee's belief system. Review written religious materials describing the belief or practice and Request additional information about the employee's belief system, the nature and tenets of their asserted beliefs, and how they follow the practice or belief If an employee's request for an accommodation does not readily demonstrate that their belief is sincere or religious in nature, the employer may make further inquiries, such as: The ultimate inquiry is whether the employee has a belief that occupies a place in their life parallel to that filled by God in traditional religions. An employee's political, sociological, personal, or philosophical views do not qualify as religious beliefs that would support an exemption under applicable state or federal law. When an employee makes a claim for religious exemption, the employer may attempt to determine whether the belief is, in fact, religious or secular in nature. For example, if it's known that the employee only recently adopted the stated belief and the employee recently received other vaccinations, this information my be an objective basis for requesting more information about the nature of their seriously held belief.Īs to the second step of the test, the fact that an employee claims that their belief is religious is not determinative. The health order also requires employees to state that they are making their request under penalty of perjury.Īs to the first step of this test, generally, an employer should assume that an employee seeking a religious exemption does so in good faith, unless there is an objective basis for questioning their sincerity. And an employer may request its employee supply additional written information about the claimed belief. That belief is religious rather than secular or scientific.Įmployees may make a request for exemption verbally or in writing. The employee has a sincerely held belief that prohibits them from receiving the vaccination, and To qualify for a religious exemption from the health order's vaccination requirement, an employee must demonstrate: If they make this showing, the employer must then engage with the employee to determine if the employer can provide a reasonable accommodation in lieu of vaccination. In the case of a claimed religious exemption, the employee must establish that they have a sincere religious belief that prevents them from receiving the vaccine. Under the health order, an employee in a high-risk setting may be exempt from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate only under specific circumstances. Each request should be considered on a case-by-case basis, and the following is offered as general guidance only.

Operators are encouraged to consult with their own legal counsel before approving or denying an employee's request for an exemption from the vaccination requirement. Operators of other businesses previously subject to the health order’s vaccination mandate (such as restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, and indoor mega-events) are strongly recommended to continue to require proof of being up-to-date on vaccination or proof of a negative test.

#Sample religious exemption letter for vaccines nj series#

Operators of high-risk settings must require all workers to have their initial vaccine series and 1st booster once eligible unless those workers meet the requirements for qualified medical or religious belief exemption. What do I do if an employee requests an accommodation for a sincerely held religious belief? What qualifies as a sincerely held religious belief? I operate a facility subject to a vaccination mandate under the health order.