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Vaccination Mandate Suspended

Published November 23, 2021

The previously announced COVID-19 vaccination mandate for Newport News Shipbuilding employees has been suspended. NNS President Jennifer Boykin issued a message to employees last week regarding the changes.

In her message, Boykin wrote that NNS’ Navy contracts “do not include a vaccine mandate requirement at this time.” As a result of the new information, COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment for current or leased employees. Employees who applied for a religious or medical exemption are being contacted in writing with additional clarification. Shipbuilders who opted to submit for retirement or to resign as a result of the federal mandate have the option to request reversal of their decision.

Employees are still encouraged to get vaccinated and to provide… …proof of vaccination to the NNS Access Center (Bldg. 625). The NNS Vaccination Site will remain open through Dec. 22. Hours of operation are 4:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays and 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. Monday hours will be reduced to 6:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. beginning Nov. 29.

The company’s mask and in-person social gathering policies remain in effect. NNS will continue to conduct contact tracing investigations if an employee is found to have COVID-19. Testing and quarantine procedures remain in place for employees identified as close contacts.