The executive branch is on strong footing to require staff vaccinations, particularly since the Pfizer Inc.-BioNTech vaccine received full approval, rather than just emergency authorization, according to Glenn Cohen, a law professor at Harvard Law School. Biden’s order for federal workers goes further than requirements he announced on July 29, which included an option for on-site federal contractors to choose testing instead of vaccination. Psaki said it would take effect when Biden signs it, with a “ramp up” period of about 75 days. The executive order for federal workers, also issued Thursday, called for guidance to be released within 7 days. But Biden pointed out that leaves a quarter of eligible Americans -- some 80 million people, he said -- without a shot.
