I am a medical device vendor. I received this email from a supply chain director at a local hospital today.

“It has come to my attention that you have requested an exemption to the Covid-19 and Influenza vaccination requirements as provided in the Purchasing Sales/Vendor Representatives Polices/Procedures. Please know that we are not allowing exemptions to this policy. Should you not be able to meet this requirement and need to have access to our facilities, then we would ask that your company provide someone that can meet our requirements.

Thank you for your support of our policies as we work to protect our patients and staff.”

PLEASE someone explain how this is legal. They ARE allowing exemptions for their direct staff (who have direct patient contact, unlike me.) But not for vendors who provide their products…

Additionally, below are excerpts from CMS Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Interim Final Rule (link here: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/cms-omnibus-covid-19-health-care-staff-vaccination-requirements-2021.pdf)

According to the document: "CMS requires facilities to allow for exemptions to staff with (as a reasonable accommodation) for a disability or a sincerely held religious belief, observance, or practice and for medical reasons. Providers and suppliers should establish exceptions as a part of its policies and procedures and in alignment with Federal law."

Furthermore, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 expressly prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.

I need answers. It can’t just be “because we can.” Someone tell me how they can do this and tell me what I can do to stop this.