---
title: The HIPAA Privacy Rule and COVID-19 Vaccine Inquiries
description: The Department of Health and Human Services issued FAQs on the application of the HIPAA Privacy Rule regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and the workplace.
---

[Employee Benefit News for School, City and County Employers ](https://blog.nisbenefits.com)

# [The HIPAA Privacy Rule and COVID-19 Vaccine Inquiries](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/hipaa-privacy-rule-and-covid-19-vaccine-inquiries)

 Written by [Steve Smith](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/author/steve-smith) | Oct 19, 2021 3:30:00 PM

*1.5 minute read*

The Department of Health and Human Services issued FAQs on the application of the HIPAA Privacy Rule regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and the workplace.

Here’s an overview of the FAQ guidance:

- The HIPAA Privacy Rule doesn’t prohibit any person or entity from asking whether an individual has received a COVID-19 vaccine.
- The Privacy Rule doesn’t prevent an individual from disclosing whether he or she has been vaccinated against COVID-19.
- The Privacy Rule generally does prohibit a doctor’s office from disclosing whether an individual has received a COVID-19 vaccine to the individual’s employer or others.
- Some federal or state laws do address terms and conditions of employment. Also, some may address whether individuals are required to disclose whether they have received a vaccine under certain circumstances.

[Download the bulletin](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/hubfs/Blog%20-%20supporting%20documents/bulletin-hipaa-vaccine-inquiries.pdf) for more details.

*This blog is intended to be a compilation of information and resources pulled from federal, state, and local agencies. This is not intended to be legal advice. For up to the minute information and guidance on COVID-19, please follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health organizations.*

[View full post](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/hipaa-privacy-rule-and-covid-19-vaccine-inquiries)

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