Sweeping New Vaccine Mandates Will Influence Most U.S. Staff

Sept. 9, 2021 -- President Joe Biden on Thursday announced a host of new plans to rein in COVID-19’s runaway transmission in the U.S., including sweeping vaccine mandates that will affect 100 million American workers, nearly two-thirds of the country’s workforce. “As your president, I’m announcing tonight a new plan to get more Americans vaccinated to combat those blocking public health,” he said. As part of a six-part plan unveiled in a speech from the State Dining Room of the White House, Biden said he would require vaccinations for nearly 4 million federal workers and the employees of companies that contract with the federal government. He has also directed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to develop a rule that will require large employers -- those with at least 100 employees -- to ensure their workers are vaccinated or tested weekly. Nearly 17 million health care workers will face new vaccine mandates as part of the conditions of participation in the Medic..