Published Date: 2021-09-07
Vacine Mandate -- DDS
CAPT representatives met today with the Department of Developmental Services to discuss the implementation and impact of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate on BU 18 DDS employees. The CAPT reps present at today’s meeting were chapter presidents Randy Tyer and Donald Cofer, Porterville Vice President Mike Simental, CAPT State President Eric Soto, and CAPT Consultant Ann Lyles.
To begin, and as already reported, BU 18 employees working for DDS must be fully vaccinated by September 30, 2021. The vaccine mandate was ordered on August 5 by the California Department of Public Health as a public health measure to prevent further infection, subsequent transmission, and outbreaks among vulnerable populations.
Under the authority of the CDPH order, the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, section 5199 (Aerosol Transmissible Disease Standard), and the California Health and Safety Code, section 1288.7, the department established vaccine mandate and exemption procedures for its employees.
Vaccination Deadline and Procedures
The department does not anticipate extending the September 30 vaccination deadline. Since there will be no vaccination extensions, employees opting for the two-dose Pfizer vaccine must get their first dose by September 9 to be fully vaccinated by September 30. If you chose the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine, the dose must be administered by September 30. As vaccination clinics are not always available on site, the department will inform employees where vaccination clinics are available. Employees off on any type of leave must have proof of vaccination or exemption before returning to work. Employees who do not meet the deadline and do not obtain an exemption by the September 30 deadline will be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal.
Employees who work for Southern Star, Northern Star, or Community State Staffing must submit proof of vaccination status to Human Resources at DDS Headquarters. For assistance, please contact Fairview-Star Chapter President Randy Tyer at (714) 957-5332 or randy_tyer@hotmail.com. Employees at Canyon Springs and Porterville will submit their vaccination status to their local human resource office.
Vaccination Exemption Procedures
Employees may request a vaccine exemption by completing the DDS COVID-19 Vaccination Exemption Form for a Religious Belief or a Qualifying Medical Reason(s). The exemption form can be obtained from and submitted to DDS Headquarters Human Resources for employees at Southern Star, Northern Star, or Community State Staffing. For employees at Canyon Springs or Porterville, the form can be obtained from and submitted to the local human resource office.
MEDICAL EXEMPTIONS: Medical exemptions must be substantiated with a written statement signed by a physician or other licensed medical professional. A medical exemption shall indicate probable duration, whether it is specific, unknown, or permanent. The medical statement does not need to specify or include the medical condition, disability, or reason for the exemption.
RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION: There is currently no review or documentation required for the religious exemption.
Please note that the COVID-19 exemption form is signed under penalty of perjury that the statements supporting the exemptions are true and correct.
Vaccine-exempt employees will be required to undergo twice-weekly testing and wear an unaltered, fitted N-95 mask.
For questions, please contact your local chapter.
September 7, 2021 | Download Flier
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