Talent News
COVID-19 Return to Work Agreement as of July 19, 2021
COVID-19 booster requirement effective March 15, 2022
What is the new booster requirement?
With the updated Return-to-Work agreement between the AMPTP and motion picture industry unions, including SAG-AFTRA, productions that have adopted a mandatory vaccination policy for Zone A of their productions will, starting on March 15, 2022, require all performers and Background Actors who are eligible to get the COVID-19 “booster” to get the booster to be eligible to work. You can view the CDC website to determine if you are eligible for the booster.
If you received the AstraZeneca or Novavax COVID-19 vaccines (which are not available in the U.S.), then you will be deemed to meet the booster requirement if you receive 3 vaccine doses, which may be a combination of vaccines authorized for use by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (which are Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson), AstraZeneca, or Novavax.
Do I need to wait 14 days after my booster to be deemed fully vaccinated to work on a production?
Unlike with prior vaccine doses, there is no need to wait 14 days after the booster to be deemed fully vaccinated; thus, you are deemed boosted as soon as you receive the booster.
Who will verify proof that I have received the booster?
Productions will verify your proof that you have received all required doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and the booster.
What if I am not yet eligible for the booster?
If you are not eligible for the booster yet based on the CDC’s guidance, productions will verify your proof that you are not yet eligible.
Is there still an exemption for people with a medical disability or a sincerely-held religious belief that prevents vaccination?
Same as before, Background Actors seeking an exemption from vaccination based on a medical disability or a sincerely-held religious belief will need to seek, and be granted, an exemption from the production (not from Scott Minc) before they are allowed to work for the production.
