COVID-19 Interim Policies FAQ

We recognize returning to the workplace may be a concern for some employees. The health and safety of our community is our top priority. In following guidance from Santa Clara County Public Health, the university is implementing new protocols and safety practices to keep our community safe as more people return to the workplace. Because the workplace will be different, to prepare for your return, please talk with your manager to understand the changes that are implemented in your specific building. If afterwards you are still uncomfortable, talk with your manager and/or your school/unit HR manager to understand your options. If you are sick with COVID-19, please stay home and use sick leave.

Yes. All Stanford faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars, including those working remotely in the United States, must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  Individuals must upload a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card into Health Check indicating a single dose of the one-dose COVID vaccine (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) or the second dose of a two-dose COVID vaccine (e.g. Pfizer or Moderna) was administered before or by January 4, 2022. Only those with an approved medical or religious accommodation will be exempt.

Employees returning to work from LOA are expected to be fully vaccinated upon their return or by Jan. 4, 2022, whichever is later, or have a request for accommodation on file.

Newly hired employees are expected to be fully vaccinated by their start date or by January 4, 2022, whichever is later, or have an approved medical or religious accommodation on file.

Faculty, staff, and postdoctoral scholars may apply for an accommodation based on a disability or medical condition. Medical accommodations will be allowed only for specific reasons consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including:

• Documented history of severe allergic reaction to one or more components of all three currently approved COVID-19 vaccines.

• Documented history of severe or immediate-type hypersensitivity allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine, and separate contraindication to other available formulations.

Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical and Religious Accommodation criteria and process or submit a request for accommodation

Review the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical and Religious Accommodation Criteria and Process page for information.

In accordance with relevant federal and California law, and in accordance with Stanford’s policy on workplace accommodations, faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars may apply for an accommodation based on a sincerely held religious belief. Please be advised that social, political, or economic philosophies, or personal preferences, are not considered to be religious beliefs. Learn more about the Medical and Religious Accommodation Criteria and Process

Review the COVID-19 Vaccination Medical and Religious Accommodation Criteria and Process page for information.

Yes, the vaccine requirement applies to all employees, regardless of their work location.

Yes. We are requiring vaccination for all who have not been vaccinated because there is strong evidence that vaccination adds significant protection even if you have already had COVID-19. As the Delta variant continues to drive higher infection and death among the unvaccinated, we must ensure the safety of our community.

No. At this time, only the initial COVID-19 vaccination is required at this time. All of our COVID-19 vaccination policies follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other state and county public health authorities. As guidance evolves, we will update our vaccination requirements accordingly.

If this is your first time using Health Check, watch the video on the Health Check Vaccination page, to learn more about how to upload your COVID-19 vaccination documentation or refer to this ServiceNow article for step-by-step instructions.