Amazon says it wants to help the Amazon Biden Nonwfh Amazonsopergeekwireadministration’s vaccination efforts and non-WFH Amazon staff should be vaccinated “at the earliest appropriate time”.
The announcement came in a letter signed by Jeff Bezos, who also proclaimed his optimism for future advancements in technology and natural health care. The letter states that “Jeff and our leadership team are committed to making sure we have products available on day one of any potential pandemic or emergency. In addition to our own efforts, we hope to work with others in the tech sector, governments at all levels, non-profits and experts in public health to support vaccination programs around the world.”
We know that the best way to prevent a disease from spreading is to vaccinate as many people as possible. This approach protects not only those who are immunized but also those who may not be able receive vaccines due to allergies, age or health conditions. Vaccines are safe and effective, but vulnerable populations may face barriers to vaccination. We encourage our employees to receive the influenza vaccine at the earliest appropriate time each season, in consultation with their primary care provider.
-Jeff Bezos, Founder & CEO
“We want people who show up to work at an Amazon Fulfillment Center during flu season to get a vaccination from a medical professional before entering the building. If they arrive without having been vaccinated, they will be asked to leave the Fulfillment Center and return when they are medically able to get vaccinated by a doctor,” an Amazon spokesperson told Business Insider.
The move comes after President Trump’s recent declaration of a national emergency over the flu outbreak. As people who come in contact with the virus could spread it, Amazon is following in the footsteps of Google, Walmart and others in taking steps to protect its employees.
However, it is important to note that other Amazon workers who work outside of the fulfillment center face a different problem. They are not allowed to come into contact with customers due to the potential of spreading flu (or any other illnesses) and so they cannot be vaccinated while at work.
“We want people who show up to work at an Amazon Fulfillment Center during flu season to get a vaccination from a medical professional before entering the building,” an Amazon spokesperson told Business Insider. “If they arrive without having been vaccinated, they will be asked to leave the Fulfillment Center and return when they are medically able to get vaccinated by a doctor.”
“We know that the best way to prevent a disease from spreading is to vaccinate as many people as possible,” Jeff Bezos said in the letter. “This approach protects not only those who are immunized but also those who may not be able receive vaccines due to allergies, age or health conditions. Vaccines are safe and effective, but vulnerable populations may face barriers to vaccination.”
Amazon is just the latest big business to move towards offering vaccinations for employees. Google started offering flu shots to its employees in 2014. The Microsoft Corporation, Facebook and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates have also stepped up on the issue.
Flu risks, however, are not the only health issues that can keep people from getting vaccinated. Here are just a few reasons why you might choose not to vaccinate your children.
The CDC says it is “unlikely” there will be enough vaccine to go around if everyone gets vaccinated. As of now there is enough vaccine stockpiled by US manufacturers to last until May or June, but many experts believe the supply will run out before then unless new stocks are made, or existing supplies are used faster than expected.
