As Mandatory Reporting Deadline Passes, 84% of City Employees Document Being Partially or Fully Vaccinated

Pasadena city employees were required by a new city policy to provide proof of their vaccination status or request an exemption or deferral by the end of the business day on Friday.

86, or 4% of the city’s workforce of 2,003, did not report their vaccination status.

“HR will work with departments to contact these employees on Monday,” a city spokesperson said.

But the majority of employees did report, with 1,520 (76%) disclosing they are fully vaccinated and 164 (8%) saying they are partially vaccinated.

“Employees who are partially vaccinated will participate in mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing until they are fully vaccinated and wear a face covering,” city spokesperson Lisa Derderian said.

12% (233) employees reported they are not vaccinated and requested a medical, disability or religious exemption. These employees will be subject to mandatory weekly testing and wearing a face covering, Derderian said.

Acceptable proof provided by employees included a screenshot of their digital vaccination record or a photo of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 vaccination record card or documentation by the employee’s health care provider.

“We have an obligation to protect our community and our City employees, many who interact on a daily basis and in emergency situations,” City Manager Steve Mermell, said earlier in the week.

On Sept. 3, Pasadena became one of the first cities in California to issue a policy of mandatory city employee vaccination reporting, with weekly testing for those who are not vaccinated.

“We hope we are setting an example for what is the right thing to do,” said City Manager Steve Mermell. “It’s reassuring to see other cities, businesses and organizations are following suit.”

On Monday, the City Council approved a $925,000 contract with Mobile Health Medical Services PC for COVID-19 testing services for city employees.

An official said last week that the city will take further action if employees do not comply with the policy but, citing the need for confidentiality in personnel-related matters, would not reveal what action would take place.