VERSAILLES, Ky. (LEX 18) — This week, the FDA gave Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine full approval.
Following that development, more employers have announced that they are requiring their workers to get vaccinated.
Some states have taken action to ban cities, employers, and others from mandating the vaccine, but those actions are currently facing legal challenges.
LEX 18 asked U.S. Rep. Andy Barr whether he believes employers should be able to require vaccinations, and he said employers can make that decision.
With Pfizer’s vaccine having full FDA approval, some employers are requiring workers to get a covid shot.
— Karolina Buczek (@Karolina_Buczek) August 25, 2021
I asked Rep. Andy Barr about that.
He said: “I think that’s a decision for each employer & each employee…I don’t think the government should intervene…”@LEX18News pic.twitter.com/uiI08ylcMP
"In American Labor Law, it's typically at-will employment. (It) is typically the way American employer and employee relations work. That's the way it should be," said Barr after an event in Versailles on Wednesday. "I don't think the government should intervene. I think employers and employees should make those choices on their own."
Senator Mitch McConnell, who also attended the Wednesday event, left without taking questions from reporters. However, he addressed the issue earlier this week with the Owensboro Times.
“Some employers are requiring that. I don’t think it’s the business of the government, certainly not the federal government, [to make that recommendation],” McConnell told The Owensboro Times in an interview Monday when asked for his thoughts on requiring vaccines in the workplace.
He continued, “The governors basically deal with issues like those and mask mandates and that sort of thing. If I were governor, I’d leave the issue of masks and vaccines up to school boards and employers.”
Both McConnell and Barr encourage Kentuckians to get vaccinated.
"There is one way to end the pandemic: get vaccinated," McConnell said.
