Biden Pushed Vaccination Mandate... Chaos Among US Companies

"Guidelines Ambiguous... Clear Explanation Needed"
White House to Announce Guidelines on 24th

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] American companies are feeling confused about the vaccine mandate issued by President Joe Biden. Private companies with more than 100 employees are included in the mandate, but there are criticisms that the specific guidelines are ambiguous. Previously, the opposition Republican Party announced plans to file lawsuits, claiming it infringes on individual freedom, and controversy over Biden's vaccine mandate is growing.

The U.S. Consumer Brands Association (CBA), which represents about 2,000 food, beverage, hygiene, and household product brands, sent a written request to President Biden on the 13th (local time) demanding a clear explanation of the vaccine mandate order, according to The New York Times (NYT).

The association told President Biden, "We hope you provide a clear answer immediately on how companies should follow the White House guidelines," attaching 19 questions collected from its member companies.

The questions included: "What form of vaccination proof should be accepted?", "Is the booster shot also mandatory?", "Is it sufficient to require only the first dose?", "Should only vaccines fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), currently only Pfizer, be recognized?", "Who is responsible for verifying vaccination status, the government or the company?", and "What should be done if vaccination records are forged?"

On the 9th, President Biden announced a plan to mandate vaccination for over 100 million people, accounting for 30% of the U.S. population, including federal employees, healthcare workers, and employees of private companies with more than 100 workers. It is estimated that companies subject to the mandate represent two-thirds of all workplaces in the U.S.

These companies must establish rules requiring employees to get vaccinated or submit COVID-19 test results at least weekly, following White House directives. Violations of the guidelines can result in fines of up to $14,000 (approximately 16.34 million KRW) per violation.

The NYT reported, "Most major U.S. trade associations support the vaccine mandate," but "even associations that have publicly welcomed the mandate are busy trying to understand the details." Typical questions include whether part-time employees are included and the deadline for compliance.

The White House plans to release detailed guidelines on this matter on the 24th.

A U.S. labor law specialist said, "At this point, there are more questions than answers regarding the vaccine mandate," adding, "Companies are trying to understand the details through lobbyists and lawyers, but they do not fully comprehend what the guidelines specifically entail."

Meanwhile, scientists worldwide, including former FDA officials, have published research stating that booster shots are not currently necessary for the general public.

They published an expert review in the international medical journal The Lancet on the same day, stating, "At the current stage of the pandemic, widespread distribution of booster shots is not appropriate."

The scientists warned, "The vaccine's protection against severe infection remains strong several months after vaccination," and "Starting booster shots too early may cause side effects such as myocarditis."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.