The following are the questions regarding religious exemptions for the COVID vaccine being asked of employees at MercyOne in Des Moines. Here are the questions:
Please explain the religious belief, observance or practice that prevents you from getting the COVID-19/influenza vaccine:
Please describe the specific conflict between your religious belief, observance or practice and the COVID/influenza vaccine. In your response, please identify the specific reasons the vaccine requirement causes the conflict:
Please provide any information that will help us to determine that your belief is sincerely held. For example, does this belief affect any other aspect of your life? Please provide any details you feel are relevant:
Please identify any job accommodation(s) that you believe would resolve the conflict between your religious belief, observance or practice and the vaccine requirement. Be as specific as possible.
Please identify your status:
Any false information provided subjects the employee to corrective action, including termination. Anyone who receives an exemption may have to wear a mask, go through frequent PCR testing, additional PPE requirements and other measures as COVID-19 and influenza warrant.
One person shared their thoughts:
“This is such BS. This can’t be legal. Who do they think they are that they think it’s their place to determine if your personal religious belief is sincere or not?”
Another person said:
“I’m at a loss on how to even start this. Every question seems very personal.”
