The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society issued a statement that pointed to the continued threat of COVID-19 to people with health conditions such as cancer.
“Vaccine requirements help protect immunosuppressed patients, including kids, and blocking business and organizations as well as cities and towns from enacting these policies jeopardizes the health of patients and their families and silences their voices,” the statement said. “As public health organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the patients we serve, the health and safety of the patients we serve is our top priority. We oppose efforts like these that undermine evidence-based, public health policies and endanger those with chronic illnesses.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis, an outspoken opponent of vaccination mandates, called the special session. The proposals would prohibit employers from having COVID-19 vaccination requirements for workers without providing exemptions for such things as medical or religious reasons.
Bills (HB 1 and SB-2-B) also would allow workers to opt out of vaccinations by receiving periodic testing or wearing employer-provided personal protection equipment.
The bill also would expand on a law passed earlier this year to prevent government agencies from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment.
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This article appears in Nov 11-17, 2021.