Growing number of companies require employees get vaccinated for COVID-19

As the Delta variant continues to spread, so do calls from companies for their employees to get vaccinated.

In the last week, a number of companies have begun mandating the vaccine, causing concern among employees who do not want to get their shot.

Walmart announced on their corporate website that they are requiring all employees get vaccinated by October 4th, unless they have approved exception.

Google too, is pushing for vaccines. In a blog post, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, said their vaccine mandate would apply to U.S. offices in the coming weeks.

Disney is requiring all salaried and nonunion hourly employees in the U.S. get vaccinated, while Tyson is requiring all U.S. employees get vaccinated.

Meanwhile, Facebook has also jumped on board, but said employees can continue working from home beyond the pandemic if their jobs could be done remotely. Twitter issued a similar mandate.

Here in the Northland, Fairview Range is requiring employees get both their COVID-19 vaccine and their annual flu shot by Sunday, October 31st.

This has caused concern among some employees, including a nurse who wanted to remain anonymous, but shared some of her thoughts with WDIO that said in part: "My job is on the line because I haven’t received the vaccine?… It’s my body, my choice, right?"

In a statement, Fairview Range said: "As a healthcare system and organization deeply rooted in our community, it’s our responsibility to protect the wellbeing of our teams, provide a safe and healthy environment for those we serve, and to set an example for our neighbors."

Meanwhile, many businesses are still deciding whether to require vaccinations for their employees.