Board of Supervisors modifies COVID-19 vaccine requirement
May 18, 2022
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Read More NewsThe Pima County Board of Supervisors at its May 17 meeting voted 4-1 to modify the requirement for new and current employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
County employees who deliver clinical care will still be required to be vaccinated. All other current employees and new hires will be exempt from that requirement once House Bill 2498 takes effect, which is 90 days after the end of the legislative session.
The County will continue its vaccine requirement for new hires, promotions, and those working with vulnerable populations until the bill takes effect.
On April 25, Governor Doug Ducey signed HB2498 into law, effectively precluding a government entity from requiring COVID-19 vaccination for any resident of the state. It exempts health care institutions operated by a government entity, which may include the County’s health clinics.
The County will continue to provide incentives, including wellness points, to employees documenting that they are vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
Previously, in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for new hires and promotions, the Board mandated the vaccine for any employee providing essential services to the vulnerable public. Specifically, this included those classifications and functions where there is sustained in-person contact with members of the public for more than 15 minutes at a time and at less than six feet without an intervening physical barrier, such as those working in clinical and correctional settings, public service counters, community centers, and those serving congregate meals.
More than 5,900 County employees, or 87 percent of its workforce, have received the COVID vaccine. In 13 departments, 100 percent of employees are vaccinated. Twenty departments boast a vaccination rate of 90 percent or higher.