OFM_Feature_0321 - Vaccines - FINAL_DEPT 2 / 26 / 21 2 : 43 PM Page 2 “ While our safety protocols have prevented any who get vaccinated . contact an experienced employment attorney , ” internal spread of COVID - 19 , the knowledge “ Messaging is important . Employers should she says . “ There are just so many facts that must that we present the vaccine as a way to create a safe envi - be considered for each situation and any misstep are still unvaccinated remains an ever - ronment , and there are ways to incentivize it as could prove very costly . ” present worry . Vaccination is the only means well , ” Foley says . However , on the other side of the coin is to moving toward some semblance of nor - Locally , Publix is offering its associates a $ 125 the liability of not mandating . If an employee malcy , ” he says . gift card after they have been fully vaccinated , or customer contracts COVID - 19 traced to the Although they are essential , veterinary staff but it is not a mandatory requirement . “ We care business , it could be framed as an Occupational are not yet eligible for the vaccine , despite inter - about our associates and customers and believe Safety and Health Act ( OSHA ) hazard . “ I think acting with pets and their owners on a daily getting vaccinated can help us take one step closer we live in a litigious society and some people basis , as well as working in close proximity to to getting might try to sue if they go back to work and get each other . “ I hope veterinary care teams will back to normal , ” said Publix CEO COVID and there are no vaccine requirements , soon be eligible for the vaccine . We are medical Todd Jones in a statement . “ We’re encouraging but [ whether ] they are successful is a whole dif - professionals . Veterinary teams across the state our associates to get vaccinated when they become ferent question , ” Foley says . and country have put their health at risk to care eligible and doses are available . ” She suggests specific industries such as hos - for our pet family members and they deserve to Vaccine access , or lack thereof , also has a pitality , shipping and even entertainment may be vaccinated as soon as possible , ” Hess says . place in the discussion . Until the general popu - roll out the mandate as part of their insurance “ It is not up to me to determine how that deci - lation has access after the segments of the most policy . “ Right now sion is made , I can only advocate for the huge vulnerable , there doesn’t seem to be a sense of there are no concerts , but role we play in keeping pets urgency . However , it goes without saying that you may see insurance providers require things healthy and the many people who are going to work daily want like this for a crew that travels with an artist , ” irreplaceable contribution pets make to the it sooner than later . she says . health and well - being of their owners . ” William Hess , hospital manager at Winter Considering all of these risks , employers That said , Hess doesn’t envision mandating Park Veterinary Hospital , says having his staff may choose to encourage or incentivize the vaccine and believes most employees would vaccinated would absolutely make them feel employees to receive the vaccine . Nationwide , opt into it on their own accord . “ I think most more comfortable coming to work every day as companies have announced compensation either of our team members will be excited to get the they provide critical care to pets in the area . monetarily or with paid time off for employees peace of mind a vaccine provides . ” “ Messaging is important . Employers should present the vaccine as a way to create a safe environment , and there are ways to incentivize it as well . ” — CHRISTY L . FOLEY , ESQ . University of Central Florida ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM march 2021 ORLANDO FAMILY 31