Mayor Adams ends COVID vaccine mandate for NYC workers

New York City municipal workers no longer need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 — and those fired for refusing to get their shots will get a chance to reapply for their old jobs, Mayor Adams announced Monday.

The municipal coronavirus vaccine mandate which has been in place since November 2021 will officially end this Friday, Adams said in a statement. He said it’s justified to scrap the inoculation requirement because 96% of the municipal workforce is vaccinated.

“City workers stepped up tremendously throughout the pandemic,” Adams said. “From our health care frontline workers and first responders who saved lives, to the city employees who kept our streets clean, our schools open, and our streets safe, we owe city workers a debt of gratitude for their service during New York City’s darkest days.”

Since it took effect, about 1,780 city workers have been fired for flouting the vaccine mandate, according to Adams’ office.

While the axed workers won’t automatically get their jobs back upon the termination of the mandate, Adams’ office said they “will be able to apply for positions with their former agencies through existing city rules and regulations and hiring processes.”

This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.