Employees in adult and senior care facilities and in-home aides have been added to the list of California healthcare workers who must be vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a Sept. 28 release from the California Department of Public Health.
Individuals working directly with people with disabilities — including employees paid through the state's regional center network, aides contacted by agencies and in-home support workers — must be fully vaccinated by Nov. 30.
The original vaccination mandate only covered employees working in licensed congregate settings, ultimately leaving out those working with the 89 percent of residents with developmental disabilities living at home, with family or in group homes.
Only workers with qualifying medical conditions or religious objections will be exempt. They will be tested weekly and must wear high-grade masks while working if they refuse vaccination.