Moving Beyond COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Federal Workers
May 15, 2023
Signed by: Joe Biden
Signed on: May 9, 2023
Published on: May 15, 2023
May 15, 2023
Signed by: Joe Biden
Signed on: May 9, 2023
Published on: May 15, 2023
Summary
Removes the rule that federal workers and contractors must be vaccinated against COVID-19 because the pandemic has changed and the emergency is over.
What problem does this solve?
The government previously required its workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine to keep people safe during the pandemic's worst phase. Now that the health crisis has lessened, with fewer deaths and hospitalizations, this order removes those requirements because they are no longer needed.
What does this order do?
Revokes previous vaccination mandates
Cancels Executive Order 14042 and Executive Order 14043, which required COVID-19 vaccination for federal employees and safety rules for federal contractors.
Ends enforcement of related agency policies
Directs federal agencies to stop enforcing and to cancel any policies they created based on the old vaccination requirement orders.
Sets a specific end date for the requirements
Makes the new policy effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 12, 2023.
Who does this affect?
- Federal employees
- Federal contractors
What is the real world impact?
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Aligns federal policy with the current state of the pandemic
Updates government rules to reflect that COVID-19 is no longer in an emergency phase. With fewer hospitalizations and deaths, the strict vaccination rules are considered unnecessary.
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Responds to political and legal pressure
The vaccination mandates faced many legal challenges and political opposition. Ending them resolves these conflicts and may appeal to those who felt the requirements were an overreach of government power.
When does this start?
This order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 12, 2023.