More than 100 Merck employees are expected to join a protest on Thursday afternoon in response to the pharmaceutical giant’s requirement that employees be vaccinated by Nov. 1.
According to a spokesperson from the Pennsylvania Freedom Coalition, the protest is scheduled to occur from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 outside of Building 53 at the intersection of Allentown Road and Sumneytown Pike in Upper Gwynedd Township. Organizers indicated that community members are welcome to attend and show their support.
“Merck employees have been given until the first week in November to receive their COVID-19 shot,” said Kaitlin Derstine, of the Pennsylvania Freedom Coalition. “This prompted over 100 employees to come together to demand their religious rights for an accepted vaccine religious exemption.”
Derstine said the protest is an opportunity for employees and community members to take a stand in favor of “vaxx choice” and religious exemptions for vaccines. The protest is being organized in coordination with Josh Hogan, who is the leader of the Reopen Bucks County Facebook page.
When reached for comment, Merck provided the following statement:
As a science-based healthcare company with a longstanding commitment to inventing and providing important medicines and vaccines, subject to local law, we will require all U.S.-based employees to be vaccinated by Nov. 1, 2021, unless they have an approved medical or religious exemption or accommodation. We are committed to supporting our employees during this process as we work to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
In January 2021, Merck discontinued their development of their COVID-19 vaccine candidate, shifting focus to two therapeutic candidates. On Oct. 1, Merck announced that they are seeking emergency authorization for an antiviral COVID-19 pill that reportedly reduced the risk of hospitalization and death by 50%, according to the New York Times.
All Merck employees must be vaccinated by Nov. 1, sans an approved medical or religious exemption.
See also:
Pa. Department of Health: FDA and CDC Authorize Booster Dose of Pfizer Vaccine to Certain Adults
Can Vaccine Refusers Who Lose Their Jobs Still Collect Unemployment?
Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases Rare in Pennsylvania, State Data Shows
Pennsylvania Legislative Panel Demands Regulatory Review of School Mask Mandate
Pennsylvania Lawmakers will Reconvene Early to Deal with Governor’s Mask Mandate
