In the current climate of the pandemic, particularly with one of our children still ineligible for vaccination, we have adopted a policy of not allowing anyone into our home unless they have been vaccinated—except in emergencies, of course. This means we need to determine the vaccination status of any service providers or visitors.
Personally, I have no hesitation in asking this question. I’ve inquired about the vaccination status of HVAC repair technicians, general maintenance workers, and furniture assemblers. Fortunately, most have been happy to confirm their vaccination, which gives me peace of mind when hiring them.
However, I did encounter one HVAC company that refused to disclose the vaccination status of their employees and a handyman who stated he doesn’t share his medical information. To me, not sharing your vaccination status feels equivalent to not being vaccinated. No hard feelings, though; it simply meant I needed to find someone else for the job, which I promptly did.
In addition to service providers, I also ask every doctor who sees my children about their vaccination status, as well as that of their staff. Thus far, every medical professional I’ve engaged with has been vaccinated and willing to share that information. (I realize my experience isn’t universal, but I’ve been fortunate.) I’ve also asked hairstylists and the parents of my kids’ friends if they and their families are vaccinated.
This Shouldn’t Be a Controversial Topic
Understandably, vaccination has become a contentious political issue for many, which is unfortunate since vaccines are fundamentally about public health and are not political. We are in the midst of a global pandemic that has resulted in over 600,000 deaths. Vaccines are proven to be safe, save lives, and reduce the spread of the virus. They are essential for bringing an end to this crisis.
For me, questioning someone’s vaccination status is straightforward. It’s not driven by emotion or judgment; it’s about ensuring the safety of my family. I do not wish to engage closely with anyone who hasn’t received a COVID vaccine, plain and simple.
While it seems logical that we would all want to do everything possible to stay safe—like avoiding individuals who could pose a higher risk of virus transmission—I understand that not everyone feels comfortable asking about vaccination status. Some may view it as intrusive, a breach of personal boundaries, or even illegal.
Let’s explore this topic further and discuss respectful ways to inquire about vaccination status that feel right for you.
Asking About Someone’s Vaccination Status Is Not a HIPAA Violation
I recall seeking recommendations for a vaccinated handyman in a local Facebook group (yes, I know Facebook groups might not be the best avenue, but I was in need). Many commenters insisted that I couldn’t ask about someone’s vaccination status because it would violate HIPAA.
However, that’s simply inaccurate. While asking about vaccination status might be socially awkward for some, it doesn’t breach any laws.
HIPAA exists to protect individuals’ private medical information from being disclosed by healthcare providers. So, if I were to ask a handyman’s doctor about his vaccination status and they shared that information, it would be the doctor violating HIPAA—not me.
Simply asking someone about their vaccination status is not illegal. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide whether they feel comfortable providing that information.
How to Ask Respectfully
If you want to feel more at ease when inquiring about someone’s vaccination status, the first step is recognizing that you have every right to ask. This isn’t being nosy; it’s a necessary part of navigating life during a pandemic.
That said, it’s important to approach the subject with courtesy. Starting the conversation by disclosing your own vaccination status can help set a friendly tone. You might say that you are uncomfortable being in close contact with someone who is unvaccinated. Personally, I mention that I have children at home who cannot be vaccinated, making it crucial for me to know the vaccination status of people I interact with.
Often, simply sharing your perspective leads others to voluntarily disclose their vaccination status. However, if you must ask directly, here are some suggested phrases:
- “Are you comfortable sharing your vaccination status with me?”
- “I know vaccines can be a sensitive topic, but would you mind letting me know if you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19?”
- “I have children at home who are unvaccinated, so it’s important for me to know the vaccination status of those I engage with. Can you tell me if you are vaccinated?”
- “For anyone entering my home, it’s vital that they are vaccinated against COVID. Have you received the vaccine?”
How to Handle Responses
Most individuals who have received the COVID vaccine are generally supportive of sharing their vaccination status. After all, overcoming this virus is a collective effort that requires transparency and community cooperation.
So far, I haven’t encountered anyone who reacted negatively to my inquiries. Should someone respond defensively, I would likely adopt a neutral response, such as, “Okay, thanks,” and move on.
If someone declines to share their vaccination status, I tend to assume they are unvaccinated. If they have been vaccinated but choose not to disclose it, that’s their choice, and it would lead me to feel uncomfortable working with them.
While I understand that asking these questions can be awkward, I believe we shouldn’t feel guilty about seeking this information. It doesn’t have to be an emotionally charged issue—just ask, receive the answer, and proceed.
In most situations, if someone is unvaccinated (or unwilling to share their status), there is likely another vaccinated individual out there who is ready to help.
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Summary
Inquiring about vaccination status can be an important step in ensuring personal safety during the pandemic. It’s essential to approach the topic respectfully and understand that asking is not an invasion of privacy. Sharing your own vaccination status can help ease the conversation, and most people are willing to share theirs. If someone declines to answer, you may choose to seek services elsewhere. Ultimately, the goal is to keep your family safe.
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