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Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center Archive

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Archived Vaccination Q&As

From Vaccinating OHS Staff

Q1: Will the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start require that staff of Head Start grantees get the COVID-19 vaccine?
A1: COVID-19 vaccination for individuals is not required under current federal law. The decision to require the vaccine remains a program- and/or employer-specific decision, and subject to applicable federal and state laws. Programs should consider guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as state and local guidance, in making that decision. At this time, CDC does not know of any state vaccination laws related to the COVID-19 vaccines.

Q2: Can Head Start grantees require staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
A2: For some health care workers or essential employees, a state or local government or employer, for example, may require or mandate that workers be vaccinated as a matter of state or other law. Head Start and Early Head Start grantees, like other employers, may decide to require employees to obtain COVID-19 vaccination when:

  • It relates to a staff member’s position in the program, and
  • It is necessary for program operations.

If a grantee chooses to require vaccination for staff, it is important to develop supportive policies and procedures that take into consideration requests for reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, medical conditions, or specific religious beliefs and practices. Grantees should consult the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the CDC for further information.

From the Mental Health and Staff Wellness: Emotionally Strong Together Webinar

Q11: Will OHS require that staff of Head Start grantees get the COVID-19 vaccine?

A11: The decision to require the vaccine remains a program- and/or employer-specific decision, and subject to applicable federal and state laws. Programs should consider guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as state and local guidance, in making that decision.

Q12: Can Head Start grantees require staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

A12: Yes, Head Start grantees may require staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine. If a grantee chooses to require vaccination for staff, it is important to develop supportive policies and procedures that take into consideration requests for reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, medical conditions, or specific religious beliefs and practices. Grantees should consult the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the CDC for further information.

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