'An increasing number of companies' in the Houston area now 'considering vaccine requirements'

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, various companies in Houston are beginning to require that their employees get vaccinated.

In a poll conducted by the Greater Houston Partnership, 23% of member companies said they already do or will require the COVID-19 vaccine for employment and 30% are considering a mandate.

This increase shows a dramatic increase in the amount of companies expected to institute vaccine mandates as only 8% of companies had a mandate as of last June.

“We are pleased to see an increasing number of companies in our region now considering vaccine requirements,” Partnership President and CEO Bob Harvey said in a statement. “In addition to any penalties for noncompliance among employees, it’s important that companies are considering further incentives to gain compliance. Employers need to look at every tool in the toolbox and determine what works best for their employees to keep everyone healthy and safe.” 

The results of the survey follow Gov. Greg Abbott's ban prohibiting government agencies from issuing vaccine mandates, according to the Texas Tribune.

“Vaccine requirements and exemptions have historically been determined by the legislature, and their involvement is particularly important to avoid a patchwork of vaccine mandates across Texas,” Abbott said in a statement, according to the Texas Tribune. 

While any organization, public or private, that receives government funds is prohibited from requiring the COVID-19 vaccine, truly private businesses and organizations are free to issue vaccination mandates as a requirement to work.

Companies not instituting a vaccine mandate cited reasons including concerns of employee turnover, personal choice, freedom of personal choice and confidence in other safety measures including masks and telecommuting.

Click 2 Houston reported that Harvey said the following about the results of the survey: "Frankly, one of the reasons we did the survey was to prompt a little bit more interest. You ask a question like this and people pay more attention."