When does the AGC Biologics Vaccination Policy take effect?
The AGC Biologics Vaccination Policy (U.S. Operations) takes effect on December 1, 2021.
Why did AGC Biologics created the Vaccination Policy?
AGC Biologics has a duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of recognized hazards. This includes safeguarding the health or our employees, families, visitors, customers and the community at large from infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Vaccination against COVID-19 is vital in protecting employees and families. Information about the efficacy, safety and benefits of being vaccinated against COVID-19 can be found in “Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines”, available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html.
Per CDC persons with asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection are significant contributors to SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
What documentation is required in order to demonstrate that I am fully vaccinated?
Documentation must consist of one of the following:
Do I need to show proof of vaccination if I have already notified EHS of my vaccination dates in the past?
Yes. Your local EHS department must have a copy of your vaccination card on file. Are files are confidential.
What do I do if I lost or misplaced my proof of vaccination?
Please make every attempt to get a replacement card from the provider or establishment that administered our vaccination. Where an employee is not able to produce acceptable proof of vaccination, they must provide a signed and dated statement:
If I choose not to be vaccinated and plan to get tested weekly, what documentation is required as proof of my negative COVID-19 test?
How do I submit my proof of vaccination or negative test results?
Scan or take a photo of your vaccination card and email it to COVIDRECORDS@agcbio.com. All vaccinations and test results must include your first and last name, the type of test administered and the date of the test.
What is the definition of “fully vaccinated”?
Individuals are considered fully vaccinated 1) two weeks after their second dose in a 2- dose series (such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines), 2) two weeks after a single-dose vaccine (such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine); or 3) has received a World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccination in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
I do not plan to get vaccinated. How often do I need to get tested?
If are not fully vaccinated and/or have no plans to get fully vaccinated, you must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test weekly in order to come on-site. Email negative test results to COVIDRECORDS@agcbio.com.
What is the difference between a rapid test and a PCR test? Which is required by AGC Biologics in order to come on-site?
A molecular test detects RNA (or genetic material) that is specific to the COVID-19 virus and can be used within days of infection, even without symptoms. A PCR test is a type of molecular test, and usually takes longer to get results. A molecular test cannot show if someone has had COVID-19 in the past. Molecular tests are highly accurate and usually do not need to be repeated.
An antigen test, commonly called a rapid test, detects protein fragments specific to COVID-19. Turnaround time is usually very quick for an antigen test, and they are considered to be most accurate when used for a person who is having symptoms of COVID-19. However, the results may not always be accurate. Negative results may need to be confirmed with a molecular test. Like the molecular test, an antigen test cannot show if you've had COVID-19 in the past.
A negative antigen test in persons with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should be confirmed by a laboratory-based NAAT, a more sensitive test. Results from NAATs are considered the definitive result when there is a discrepancy between the antigen and NAAT test.
I am choosing to test weekly instead of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Can I do a home test each week or do I need to go to a testing facility / pharmacy / doctor’s office to get tested?
No. A home test will not be accepted. Your COVID-19 test must be administered and read by a qualified healthcare professional.
I have not been vaccinated, but I’d like to be. How do I schedule a vaccination appointment?
In Colorado COVID-19 vaccines are free and easy to get at almost any pharmacy. Visit the State of Colorado link to learn more about where to get vaccinated: https://covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine/where-you-can-get-vaccinated.
If I schedule vaccination appointments and/or COVID-19 testing during my work schedule, will I be paid for this time or do I need to take formal time off?
For AGC Biologics employees, vaccination appointments may be done during work hours. Weekly testing may not. For contractors and consultants, AGC Biologics does not pay for time spent on vaccination and/or testing appointments. Please contact your employer/agency for more information.
I have an appointment to get vaccinated, but I have not had my two doses yet. Do I need to get tested in the meantime in order to come to work?
Yes, you will continue to be required to do weekly tests until you are fully vaccinated and provide proof to AGC.
If I have been vaccinated, do I need to get tested weekly?
No. If you have been fully vaccinated, you do not need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test weekly. You do, however, need to comply with the COVID-19 Health Decision Matrix.
Does AGC Biologics healthcare insurance cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccinations?
Yes, AGC Biologics healthcare insurance covers the cost COVID-19 vaccinations – initial doses and/or boosters – at many pharmacies and doctor offices. Please check with the facility ahead of time to ensure you are covered BEFORE getting tested.
Currently COVID-19 vaccination and boosters are free in Colorado, without proof of insurance. In the state of Washington, you may be asked to present proof of insurance depending on the provider or establishment.
Does AGC Biologics healthcare insurance cover the cost of COVID-19 testing?
Yes, AGC Biologics healthcare insurance covers the cost of COVID-19 testing at many testing facilities, pharmacies, and doctor offices. Please check with the facility ahead of time to ensure you are covered BEFORE getting tested.
Currently COVID-19 vaccination and boosters are free in Colorado, without proof of insurance. In the state of Washington, you may be asked to present proof of insurance depending on the provider or establishment.
Who does the AGC Biologics Vaccination Policy, dated 1 December 2021, apply to?
The policy applies to anyone who comes on-site at any AGC Biologics U.S. facility. This includes but is not limited to full-time employees, part-time employees, temporary employees, interns, contractors, consultants, vendors, outside service providers and visitors.
What happens if I do not comply with the Vaccination Policy, but my job requires me to be on-site?
Failure to comply with this policy will result in deactivation of the employee’s badge (for on-site employees) until the required documentation is provided. For all others, they will not be permitted to enter a U.S. AGC Biologics facility without providing the required documentation.
Are there any allowable exemptions for weekly testing if I am not vaccinated?
No.
How can I submit a question, feedback, concerns and ideas pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and it's effect on our company?
Am I required to wear a facemask when working on site?
The following additional facemask requirements have been implemented to provide further employee protection while onsite:
Will we restrict the number of visitors to our facility?
Yes. Site visits, audits and any other third party visitors (vendors, construction companies, suppliers, etc.) may only access the facility with the approval of our Site Head or an authorized LT member.
I’ve become ill – what should I do?
If your health status changes, advise your manager and EHS (dsteinbacher@agcbio.com) right away. If you're feeling sick while at work, go home and consult a medical professional.
Consult the COVID-19 Health Decision Matrix for more information on specific scenarios.
Is Telemedicine included in the AGC Biologics healthcare benefits package?
Yes! We added telemedicine to our plan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, effective 18MAR20 — 31DEC20. For coronavirus-related visits there is no co-pay or co-insurance and deductibles do not apply. All other visits are subject to the standard co-pay, co-insurance and deductible based on your selected plan (standard/enhanced) and visit type.
Click here for more information.
General Principal: If employees are working, whether remotely or onsite, they will be paid.
What happens if I am ill and can’t work?
General Principal: If employees are working, whether remotely or onsite, they will be paid.
What options do I have if I am unable to work?
If you are unable to work, you may have the following options available to you. However, as all employee situations are unique, please speak with your HR Business Partner to receive specific guidance.
(1.) “Families First” Emergency Paid Sick Leave (for quarantine, self-care or care of family member affected by COVID19)
(2.) “Families First” Emergency Paid FMLA (you are caring for children due to school closure and am unable to perform your work from home)
(3.) AGC provided Paid Sick Leave
(4.) AGC provided Vacation, Floating Holidays
(5.) Short Term Disability
(6.) FMLA (if you are unable to work due to your own illness or a family member’s illness)
(7.) Washington Paid Family Leave
(8.) Washington High Risk Employee-Workers Act (currently expires 12 June 2020)
(9.) Unemployment Benefits
(10.) AGC Biologics COVID-19 Emergency Shared Leave Program (currently available through 31 December 2020)
What happens if I’m unable to work due to school closures?
If you are unable to perform your work from home, you have the following options:
What if I am unable to work because I have been advised self-quarantined at home?
If you are not able to perform your work from home, you have the following options:
What if I have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and am unable to work due my illness?
If you are unable to work you have the following options:
I am unable to work because I am caring for an immediate family member that has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and am unable to perform my work from home.
If you are caring for an immediate family member that has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and am unable to work, you have the following options:
I am in an “essential” role but I would like to work remotely because I am in a higher risk category? I have NOT been advised that I should quarantine.
Being in an “essential” role means that you are not able to perform your job duties remotely. You have the following options:
I am in an “essential” role and I am immune-compromised or in a higher risk category. I have been advised by my physician to quarantine or work from home but I am unable to perform my duties from home.
Being in an “essential” role means that you are not able to perform your job duties remotely. You have the following options:
I have been asked to quarantine/stay home based on the current AGC Biologics COVID-19 protocol and I am in an “essential” role, but am unable to work from home. How do I report my time off?
Answer: The answer is complicated and each situation is different. It is essential that you and your manager report all absences to EHS, so they can monitor and categorize your absence. If you are unclear as to how to record your time off, please reach out to your HR Business Partner who will work with your manager and EHS to determine any leave eligibility. Each type of paid leave has very specific eligibility and reporting/documentation requirements, availability and compensation rates.
If you are on leave (FMLA, STD, etc.), you should not perform work duties.
How do I donate to the AGC Biologics COVID-19 Emergency Shared Leave Program?
If you would like to donate to the shared leave program, please reach out to your HR Business Partner for details.
You can access the COVID-19 Major Disaster Shared Leave Donation Form here.
How do I request a donation from the AGC Biologics COVID-19 Emergency Shared Leave Program?
If you have questions about requesting donated leave from our Emergency Shared Leave Program, please reach out to your HR Business Partner to discuss program guidelines and determine if you meet the eligibility requirements.
You can access the COVID-19 Major Disaster Shared Leave Request Form here.
You can find more information and read the policy in its entirety, on Sharepoint: US → Human Resources → Covid19 Shared leave Program
I am a contractor. What happens if I contract COVID-19?
Let your manager know and consult a medical professional right away. For contractors, assistance may be provided by your employer and/or any programs provided under state and federal mandates. Reach out to your employer for clarification on benefits available to you.
Employees: Please reference the Guidelines for Employees Working Remotely.
Managers: Please reference the Guidelines for Managing Remote Teams.
I have personal travel planned in the near future. Do I need to notify anyone?
Yes. Please reference the AGC Biologics Coronavirus Travel Policy and Advisory .