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COVID 19 Vaccination Accommodation and Exemption Procedure

Definitions:

  • Reasonable Accommodation: An adjustment made to the requirements of the COVID19 Vaccination Program for a Covered Individual who has received an approved Exception or Deferral to allow them to Physically Access a University Location or Program without impairing the health and safety objectives of this policy. Covered Individuals who are granted Exceptions or Deferrals will be required to observe Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions as a condition of Physical Presence.
  • Religious Objection: A Covered Individual’s objection to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine based on that person’s sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.
  • Medical Exemption: An excuse from receiving COVID-19 vaccine due to a Medical Contraindication or Precaution.
  • Disability: A physical or mental disorder or condition that limits a major life activity and any other condition recognized as a disability under applicable law. “Disability” includes pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition where reasonable accommodation is medically advisable.
  • Deferral: An approved deferral of vaccination based on pregnancy. Pregnancy Deferral will extend throughout the term of the pregnancy and until the Covered Individual returns to work or instruction, as applicable.
  • Responsible Office: The office at a Location responsible for processing requests for Exception or Deferral. The list of such offices can be found online at: https://doyourpart.ucmerced.edu/latest-updates.

Local Procedure for Staff, Faculty and Academic Personnel regarding Religious Accommodation:

  1. Click to submit an Employee Request for Religious Accommodation
  2. Complete your Religious Accommodation request through link listed above. By submitting your Religious Accommodation request, you acknowledge that you are required to follow all Non-pharmaceutical Mitigations as described in UC Merced’s Executive Directive - COVID-19 Mitigation Measures.
  3. You will receive an email from HR Benefits to confirm your request was submitted and a document identification number to reference your request.
  4. HR Benefits will review your request. If more information is needed, you will be contacted within three business days. A formal notification will be provided regarding your request.
  5. Information provided will be kept confidential; no specific details or information will be shared.
  6. Once a determination is made you and your supervisor will receive an email stating your request has been processed with an attached Approval or Denial letter.
  7. Your supervisor will be notified of any Non- Pharmaceutical Interventions required to comply with the UC Merced’s Executive Directive - COVID-19 Mitigation Measures. 
  8. Should your request be approved, you will be notified by Work Health Solutions to complete the COVID-19 Vaccination Declination form. Once you have electronically signed this form, you have completed the process and are compliant with the University of California’s SARS-CoV-2 (COVID- 19) Vaccination Program.

Local Procedure for Staff, Faculty and Academic Personnel regarding Medical Exemptions and/or Disability Exceptions: 

  1. Click to submit a Medical Exemptions and/or Disability Exceptions through Work Health Solutions. A submission must include a Certification from Health Care Provider as an attachment, filled out by your qualified licensed health care provider.
  2. Complete your Medical Exemptions and/or Disability Exception request through link listed above. By submitting your Medical Exemption and/or Disability Exception request, you acknowledge that you are required to follow all Non-pharmaceutical Mitigations as described in UC Merced’s Executive Directive - COVID-19 Mitigation Measures.
  3. Once a determination is made you will receive an email from Work Health Solutions stating your request has been processed with an attached Approval or Denial.
  4. Your supervisor will be notified of any Non- Pharmaceutical Interventions required to comply with the UC Merced’s Executive Directive - COVID-19 Mitigation Measures.
  5. Should your request be approved, you will be notified by Work Health Solutions to complete the COVID-19 Vaccination Declination form. Once you have electronically signed this form, you have completed the process and are compliant with the University of California’s SARS-CoV-2 (COVID- 19) Vaccination Program.

Local Procedure for Staff, Faculty and Academic Personnel regarding Deferrals due to Pregnancy: 

  1. Click to submit a Deferral through Work Health Solutions.
  2. Complete your Deferral request through link listed above.
  3. Once a determination is made you will receive an email from Work Health Solutions stating your request has been processed with an attached Approval or Denial.
  4. Your supervisor will be notified of any Non- Pharmaceutical Interventions required to comply with the UC Merced’s Executive Directive - COVID-19 Mitigation Measures.
  5. At such time as the Deferral lapses, you will be required to submit your proof of COVID-19 vaccination through Work Health Solutions patient portal to be compliant with the University of California’s SARS-CoV-2 (COVID- 19) Vaccination Program.

Any additional questions or Request for Accommodations can be requested through the Benefits Office at Benefits@ucmerced.edu.