Tyson Foods announced Tuesday – that it is now requiring employees at all U.S. office locations to be fully vaccinated by October 1st of this year (2021) – making Tyson the largest food company across the nation to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all their employees.  That, of course includes Tyson’s two nearby locations – in Albertville and Blountsville.

All other employees are required to be fully vaccinated by November 1st (2021); that is subject to on-going discussions with locations represented by unions; all new hires must be vaccinated prior to start dates.  The sole exceptions include workers seeking a deferment due to medical or religious reasons.

Fully vaccinated employees will receive a $200 bonus.

The company says almost half of its U.S. workforce of more than 139,000 has already been vaccinated and as a result coronavirus infection rates remain low.  Tyson said it has hosted more than 100 vaccination events for employees across the country since February of this year with more than 56,000 being vaccinated so far – and, additional on-site vaccination events will be scheduled.

The Arkansas-based poultry provider reported that it has spent over $700 million in connection with COVID-related prevention and safeguards from purchasing masks to face shields and temperature scanners, installing protective barriers – and providing on-site testing and vaccinations.

The company has also hired 200 nurses and its first chief medical officer.

(AL.COM/www.al.com)