Can a Family Require Their Nanny to get the Covid Vaccine?

As we navigate the pandemic and vaccines become widely available for most, we hear this question time and again: can a family require their nanny to get the Covid vaccine?

This is a complex question, but an important one that needs answering. The short answer is yes, families can require their nanny to get the Covid vaccine in order to keep their job (or to be considered for a position). Washington is an at-will employment state, so a family can terminate an arrangement if their current nanny is not interested in getting the vaccine. Likewise, any nanny can leave a position if the family’s Covid views are not in alignment with their own. nanny during covid img

The CDC weighed in on this subject and clarified that state laws are the deciding factor when it comes to employers requiring the vaccine (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/toolkits/essential-workers.htmlThe Washington State Department of Health holds that employers can require the vaccine and ask for proof, as long as no medical records are involved (https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/coronavirus/120-053-FAQStepsCriticalWorkersVaccination.pdf).

Generally, it is a best practice for employers to encourage their workers to get the vaccine voluntarily, as the domestic employer network Hand In Hand suggests. They created a document (HIH_Vaccine-FAQs-for-Domestic-Employers.pdf) for helping employers to navigate these issues, and they recommend an honest and compassionate conversation between employee and employer to understand any hesitation or concerns. Their resources encourage parties to consider medical restrictions, disabilities, and racial equity concerns, and to have open and respectful dialogues.

At the end of the day, the ideal nanny arrangements are all about the right fit. For many, the right fit means a strong value alignment when it comes to public health and safety concerns. These concerns can suddenly be at the forefront of discussions, especially if you have been working together for a long time before Covid was even an issue. That makes the decision more difficult and emotional, but one should never assume anything when it comes to an individual’s personal attitudes about such an unprecedented situation.

Our personal choices have far-reaching consequences during a pandemic, and it is critical that we be open-minded, compassionate, and honest about what we need to feel comfortable in professional settings. Either a nanny or family can make the choice that is right for them for any reason, and the intimate setting of in-home childcare only adds to the urgency of making that right choice.

How to Write a Nanny Resume that Will Wow Family Employers

Why should you write a nanny resume that will wow family employers? Because many nanny job applicants do not write a nanny resume before applying for a job. Yet, having a solid nanny resume increases the chances of

Looking for a Nanny? Here Are Qualities To Prioritize

Do you need help with your newborn or a childcare provider to care for the family while you’re away? One option you can consider is hiring a nanny. Most caretakers today are trained to manage family needs, so

Reasons Why a Nanny Placement Agency Is the Right Choice for You

Finding the right caregiver for your children can be daunting whether you’re a first-time parent or have been through the process before. With so many options available, choosing the best childcare provider for your family’s needs can be

Tips to Finding Good In-Home Childcare

Children are a blessing for everyone. However, childcare can be difficult, especially if you are not a stay-at-home mom or dad. One of the reasons to consider in-home childcare is for your child’s comfort and safety. Comfort and

How Do Nanny Shares Work: A Comprehensive Guide 2024

How does a Nanny Share Work? Have you ever wondered: how does a nanny share work? This guide will help you decide if a nanny share is right for you. Find out more about finding a nanny share

Helpful Tips to Introduce Your Child to Your Nanny

When you bring someone new, like a nanny, into your home, your child’s first reaction may be apprehension or resistance. This reaction is normal, especially if your child isn’t used to an outsider in their life. To make

Guest Blog: The Effects of COVID-19 on Nannies and the Family Dynamic

It’s been more than a year since COVID-19 forced the world into isolation, and everyone is feeling the effects—both mentally and physically. Many families are struggling to maintain some semblance of “normal” life while juggling work, childcare, schoolwork,

Traveling with Your Nanny? Do’s and Dont’s

Is your family planning an upcoming holiday? If so, will you bring your nanny? Whether you have traveled with your nanny in the past or this is uncharted territory, it’s important to set clear boundaries and guidelines before

Nanny Contracts: Game-Changing Announcement

We have exciting news to share! There has been a recent game-changing development that has the potential to revolutionize nanny work. In this post, we will discuss the recent announcement from the US Dept of Labor, the importance

Avoid These 7 Nanny Hiring Mistakes: Experts Share Their Tips For Success

Avoid Nanny Hiring Mistakes with Tips from the Experts In our experience placing nannies in the homes of private families for nearly 30 years, we have had to guide our clients in avoiding many nanny hiring mistakes. For

Guest Blog: Packing For Birth Day Success – A Guide For Partners

Guest blog introduction by Kiersten Moen: Last April, I started out my day with a routine doctor’s visit and ended it by being admitted to the hospital in week 32 of my pregnancy with twins.  This was the

Learning Pod Rules and Guidelines – Provided by the National Domestic Worker’s Alliance (NDWA)

With the uncertain future of in-person school systems, the social and emotional toll on our children is becoming more evident by the day. Kids need to be around their peers and the positive impact of this on academic

How to Talk to Your Nanny about Covid

During the pandemic, many families turned to nannies to care for their children from the safety of their own homes as daycares and schools were forced to close to stop the spread of the virus. As the pandemic

Why Work with an Agency During Covid

A question that we often get asked is “why would I pay to work with an agency when I can find a nanny on my own?” This question has many answers, and each one is important to families

10 Essential Tasks a Household Assistant Can Help You With

Show me a parent who isn’t overwhelmed with the never-ending list of household chores and responsibilities in today’s world. Anyone? Most of us are living in the modern age but according to research, even in the most equitable

What Goes Into Hiring a Nanny?

A nanny provides your children with the specialized care they need during your absence. By hiring a trustworthy professional nanny, you will have peace of mind and the capacity to devote your full attention to work and other

Blurred Lines: Where do Boundaries Begin and End with a Nanny Job

Ten Boundary Busters between Nannies and Families Thanks to Fräulein Maria, reruns of The Nanny, and Ben Affleck’s philandering, most people conjure ideas of a romance between an employer and their kid’s nanny when they think of boundaries

The Power of Connection: Social Support for Caregivers’ Mental Health

Being a caregiver is a demanding and often overwhelming role. Whether you are taking care of an aging parent, a child with special needs, or a loved one with a chronic illness, the responsibilities can take a toll

Seattle’s New Domestic Workers Law: Rest and Meal Breaks

The city of Seattle recently followed eight states by passing a law designed to standardize the domestic work force (nannies, home health aides, house cleaners, and gardeners) thus bringing them out of the shadow economy of employees who

Should You Hire a Male Nanny?

If you are on the fence about bringing a male caregiver into your family, you are not alone. Male nannies, often known as “mannies,” are just as caring and nurturing as any other caregiver, and writing them off