In short? It is very difficult to qualify for a medical exemption from a COVID vaccination mandate. The main reason being the complete approval of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine called Comirnaty by the Federal Drug Administration. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are still approved for emergency uses in adults. There are exemptions other than medical exemptions that are possible but this article will look specifically at medical exemptions to the COVID-19 vaccine.
At this time, the easiest and seemingly only way to be medically exempt from the vaccine is to be allergic to one of the ingredients. If you have an allergy and believe you are exempt from the vaccine an attorney can assist.
Allergens not in the vaccine:
Eggs
Gelatin
Latex
Preservatives
Photo via: Federal Drug Administration
A way to defer vaccination is that a person with a known COVID exposure should wait until their quarantine period is over prior to receiving the vaccine.
For the MRNA vaccine, a person with a history of myocarditis and pericarditis due to a previous COVID-19 vaccine should get the Janssen vaccine instead of the MRNA option.
For the Janssen vaccine, a person with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia syndrome or a history of Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia should elect to receive the MRNA vaccine instead of the Janssen option.
Pregnancy nor breastfeeding is not considered an exemption either. It is actually considered the opposite. It is highly encouraged that pregnant or breastfeeding persons receive the vaccine for the possibility of antibodies being passed on to the baby.
Miscellaneous things not in the vaccine:
Metals - Iron, Nickle, Cobalt, Lithium, ect.
No Manufactured Products - Microelectronics, Electrodes, Carbon nanotubes, nanowire semiconductors, ect.
House Bill 2318
There is currently a bill pending, House Bill 2318, that would allow for "natural immunity" to COVID-19 as an alternative to the vaccine. Under the bill there would be two options that would be accepted.
Options:
- An employee can provide proof from a physician that they previously had COVID 19, or
- An employee can provide an anti-body test no more than 90 days old proving the presence of antibodies.
In order to qualify for any of the above exemptions, clear and concise paperwork is required from a licensed physician. The expert work of an attorney can be crucial and make a world of difference.
If you have any questions please reach out to our office via phone at (412) 626-5626 or via email at lawyer@manesnarahari.com. One of our attorneys can help ensure that you get the medical exemption that you qualify for.
