A health care worker seeks a religious exemption for COVID-19 vaccination. Considering hospital policy, state regulations, national regulations, and CMS requirements, what should the infection preventionist do?

• A. Approve the religious exemption if requested
• B. Allow only personal exemptions
• C. Inform the employee that they must be vaccinated because religious exemptions are not allowed
• D. Deny any exemption and require vaccination regardless of policy

Answer: (C)

Vaccination mandates for healthcare workers are enforced to protect patients and are backed by hospital policy and federal and state regulations, including CMS requirements for facilities receiving Medicare/Medicaid funds. When those mandates do not allow exemptions based on religious beliefs, the infection preventionist must convey that vaccination is a required condition of employment and patient care. If a valid medical contraindication exists, follow the institution’s medical exemption process and apply any approved accommodations per policy. The emphasis is on safety and regulatory compliance, so religious exemptions are not permitted under these requirements, and the employee should be informed that vaccination is mandatory.