The Jefferson County Public Utility District will require all 54 employees to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 6.

The PUD, the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union, and laborer’s union met and agreed on the implementation of the mandate.

The vaccination deadline was announced Tuesday, Oct. 26.

All employees, from office employees to electrical workers, will be required to get the jab. The only exceptions are for workers with medical reasons and sincerely held religious beliefs.

Religious exemption and medical accommodation forms have been distributed to employees, and are due by Nov. 1.

Since the PUD has contracts with the Washington State Department of Transportation, the utility district is complying with statewide mandates issued by Gov. Jay Inslee for all state employees to get vaccinated.

The decision was initially announced Oct. 16, and was made due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant across the country.

Our general manager [Kevin Streett] wants us to comply with state rules and government policies,” said Will O’Donnell, PUD communications director. “He felt it was best to have one policy that applies to all.”

Employees have to get their first vaccine dose by Nov. 6 and have their second dose administered no later than Dec. 6., and can choose between Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson to be fully vaccinated.

“We’re all working together,” O’Donnell said.