As federal contractors, and like most higher education institutions, UAH must comply with President Biden’s Executive Order 14042 and the accompanying guidance, unless that Executive Order is withdrawn or modified. Because this vaccination requirement is mandated by the federal government, our institution does not have flexibility in its application or enforcement. Consequently, the University is required to ensure that all UAH employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by December 8, 2021, unless they have an approved medical, disability, or religious exemption.
Employees seeking an exemption from the vaccination requirement must submit a request using the Medical Accommodation or the Religious Accommodation request form. The forms must be sent no later than November 5, 2021, to Human Resources at hr@uah.edu. Incomplete requests or requests submitted after the due date will not be accepted.
Reasons for requesting exemption include the following:
- Medical Concerns or Disability: A request for an exemption due to medical contraindications to the vaccine or a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act must be supported, in writing, by the employee’s health care provider. The requesting employee must grant Human Resources permission to contact their health care provider to discuss the identified medical contraindication or disability. Employees who have previously received a medical exemption for the influenza vaccination are not automatically entitled to receive an exemption for the COVID-19 vaccination and must submit a separate request.
- Sincerely Held Religious Beliefs, Practices, or Observances: A request for a religious exemption based on a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance must specify the religious belief, practice, or observance that prevents the employee from receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. Employees may be asked to provide documentation from the employee’s religious/spiritual leader or religious scholar to support the request for an exemption.
Employees will be notified through their official UAH email of whether their request for an exemption is approved or denied.
Employees may appeal the denial of an exemption in writing via e-mail to Human Resources at hr@uah.edu within three (3) business days of the date of receiving the denial notification. All appeals will be reviewed, and the employee will be notified via e-mail of the decision.
For more information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions webpage. For questions, email covid19@uah.edu or call 256-824-2210.
