Can I be Fired or Suspended from Work if I Don’t Wish to be Vaccinated?

The State shall not “deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” These words sit at the foundation of our society. Yet, each day employers are threatening employees with termination based on executive orders that are rooted in nebulous science regarding if the employee is vaccinated.

On April 1, 2021, Pfizer and BioNTech issued a press release based on a March 13, 2021 cut-off date claiming a topline vaccine efficacy against symptomatic Covid-19. On July 28, 2021, Pfizer and BioNTech updated its findings without submitting new data. Particularly, their vaccine was not tested against the Delta variant.  It is unclear how Pfizer and BioNTech could determine efficacy two months after dosing. Moreover, Pfizer and BioNTech did not declare at the time that there was a need for a ‘booster.”  No clinical trials  have been conducted to demonstrate that boosters increase efficacy.

There is a surge of illness and death in the southeast region of the United States. There is “evidence” that most patients are unvaccinated. Therefore, it is argued that there is proof that the vaccine works.

Who is checking whether these patients were vaccinated or unvaccinated? Are vaccinated individuals continuing to mask and keep social distanced as opposed to their unvaccinated peers? How will forcing a maintenance worker in Newark, New Jersey to be vaccinated reduce hospitalizations in Nashville, Tennessee if that population will not mask and continues to attend super spreader events every weekend. NASCAR and college football are a few examples. In short, these conclusions are not based in science.

Peter Doshi, senior editor at the British Medical Journal, wrote, “But here we are, with FDA reportedly on the verge of granting a marketing license 13 months into the still ongoing, two year pivotal trial, with no reported data past 13 March 2021, unclear efficacy after six months due to unblinding, evidence of waning protection irrespective of the Delta variant, and limited reporting of safety data.”

Now employers are forcing employees to take medications at the risk of job loss without due process. What motivates employers? Are employers really interested in their employees’ health? If so, why do so few employers offer affordable health benefits for their “valued workers?” It clear that this push is a way to maximize profits to employers.

There must be challenges. Every government official pressuring vaccination should be required to disclose whether they have any financial interest connected to the pharmaceutical industry. Where will the line be drawn? When will workers be able at assert a right to make decisions about their lives and livelihood , rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. If Pfizer determines to their economic benefit that a “booster” is needed every two months, will employees have any rights over decisions relating to their health and safety.

Regardless of your circumstances or beliefs, you need to know you have an ally in your corner. Stand up and recognize you are not alone. Contact Ashton E. Thomas Esquire to discuss the possibilities in your circumstances.