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Apple is forcing employees to get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

Apple is now requiring store and corporate employees to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the company announced in an internal email.

Once an employee is eligible for a booster shot, they will have four weeks to complete the requirements. Otherwise, they will need to take tests every time to enter a retail store, partner store or Apple office starting February 15th.

Apple will require unvaccinated employees — or those who have not yet provided proof of vaccination — to provide negative rapid COVID-19 antigen tests before going to work beginning January 24.

"Due to declining efficacy in the mainstream COVID-19 vaccine series and the introduction of highly contagious options such as Omicron, a booster dose is now part of your COVID-19 vaccination to protect against severe disease," Apple said.

Last year, Apple required unvaccinated corporate employees to take daily tests before entering the office, and unvaccinated retail workers twice a week. The company also began requiring vaccinated individuals to be tested for COVID-19 once a week, and later reduced the frequency of those tests.

Meta said earlier this week that employees will need to receive booster vaccinations before the company returns to office work in March. Google does not yet require a third shot, but employees must have two doses of the vaccine and also have weekly molecular tests.

Apple is forcing employees to get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine