Vaccine mandates

Little is known about COVID-19 cases in which symptoms persist for months. Affected service members may have trouble performing their duties or getting treatment.

The military is taking a hard line on troops seeking religious exemptions to the COVID vaccine mandate. Lawyers say that could have consequences for others who seek different kinds of religious accommodations.

New COVID-19 vaccinations in Missouri have slowed as many residents refuse the shot, asserting their personal freedom. Republican lawmakers claiming vaccine mandates amount to government overreach have fought back against local officials and public health departments. In more than two dozen counties, fewer than one-third of people are fully vaccinated.

But the court upheld a separate mandate for almost all employees at hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers that receive federal funds.

“Masks, vaccines, and testing requirements are life-saving measures that keep our workplaces and communities safe," the governor said.

Unions representing health care workers, including those who work in nursing homes, support a new federal rule that requires their members to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The complaint is one of many Schmitt has joined or filed against the Biden administration.

The mandate will cover 55,000 workers. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive order requires day care professionals submit to weekly COVID-19 testing until they are fully vaccinated.

The vaccine mandate applies to state employees, contractors and vendors who work in congregate facilities and certain health care workers, school personnel and higher education employees.

Missouri’s senior senator traveled to six small towns to talk about economic development and health care issues facing rural areas.