Kohler Co. announces all employees must be fully vaccinated by Jan. 1

KOHLER, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Kohler Company announced all employees will be required to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 1 in a bulletin sent out to associates on Wednesday, Sept. 29.

Officials say the company's vaccine requirement applies to all U.S. associates - onsite, hybrid, and remote. Employees with a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief can apply for an accommodation from the requirement. Accommodated associates will require weekly testing and additional masking requirements.

Officials say all doses must be completed by Dec. 17, allowing all associates to be fully vaccinated by Jan. 1. Once fully vaccinated, employees will need to submit proof of vaccination by Dec. 17.

According to the bulletin, also effective Jan. 1, all contractors and visitors coming to Kohler U.S. facilities must provide proof of vaccination or a valid negative test before entering. 

Below are Kohler's key dates:

Sept. 29 - Dec. 17: Associates get vaccinated

Oct. 15: Last day for associates to apply for accommodation

Nov. 15: Accommodation review process complete

Dec. 17: Last day to receive second dose

Dec. 17: Last day to enroll in COVID Vaccine Program

Jan. 1: Vaccine requirement fully implemented