Federal Agencies to Delete COVID-19 Vaccine Records

In a significant policy shift, federal agencies have been instructed to delete all records related to employees’ COVID-19 vaccination status and exemption requests. This directive, issued by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), aims to dismantle pandemic-era mandates that were previously enforced under the Biden administration. The move is part of a broader initiative led by the Trump administration to reverse policies deemed detrimental to federal workers’ rights.

Response to Litigation and Policy Reversal

The guidance from OPM comes in response to recent litigation challenging the legality of mandatory vaccination requirements for federal employees. Many lawsuits were filed by employees, unions, and states, arguing that these mandates violated constitutional rights and federal labor laws. The controversy surrounding Executive Order 14043, signed by former President Joe Biden in September 2021, led to its eventual repeal in May 2023 after a federal appeals court blocked its enforcement.

Impact on Federal Workforce

OPM Director Scott Kupor emphasized that the pandemic-era policies had unfairly penalized federal workers for personal medical decisions. The new directive ensures that vaccine history or exemption requests cannot influence employment-related decisions such as hiring, promotion, or termination. Agencies are required to permanently remove all vaccine-related information from personnel files unless employees opt out within 90 days.

Compliance and Future Implications

Agencies must certify their compliance with this directive by September 8. This policy change reflects a significant shift in how the federal government approaches employee rights and medical privacy post-pandemic. The White House has yet to comment on this development, but it marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over public health mandates and individual freedoms within the federal workforce.