Signage encouraging the getting of the COVID-19 vaccine hangs in the halls of Rangeview High School during a May 1 vaccination event. Photo by PHILIP B. POSTON/Sentinel Colorado
Signage encouraging the getting of the COVID-19 vaccine hangs in the halls of Rangeview High School during a May 1, 2020 vaccination event. After a decision by the FDA to give final approval to the Pfizer vaccine, APS officials are mandating that all staff be fully vaccinated by Oct.7.
Photo by PHILIP B. POSTON/Sentinel Colorado

AURORA  | Aurora Public Schools employees have until Oct. 7 to get fully vaccinated in order to maintain their work status with the district.

Superintendent Rico Munn announced in May that pending full approval of a COVID-19 vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration, all employees would need to be vaccinated in the fall school year in order to work for the district. On Monday, the FDA officially approved the Pfizer vaccine.

“This decision was made with the belief that the science around COVID-19 and the vaccines is clear and compelling, and supports our goal of returning to full in- person working and learning,” APS chief personnel officer Damon Smith said in a Monday letter to employees the district shared with the Sentinel.

APS employees will be required to demonstrate proof of vaccination to their immediate supervisor, the letter said. Human resources will follow up with those who are not vaccinated by the deadline.

“Employees who fail to adhere to the vaccination mandate will be subject to disciplinary action (suspension/leave without pay), including and up to termination of employment,” the letter said.

Employees are permitted to request an exemption due to disability, religious reasons or medical reasons, the letter said. If the request is approved, the employee will meet with district staff to come up with accommodations, which may include social distancing or regular COVID-19 tests.

The district originally said that staff who are not vaccinated must wear masks at work. However, changing public health guidelines due to the delta variant now means that all staff must wear masks on school grounds regardless of vaccination status.