WASHINGTON, D.C. – Many thanks to all who have responded to the proof of vaccination survey. As of Thursday, Dec. 2, 97% of all Forest Service employees had completed the survey, and 83% indicated that they have been completely vaccinated.

This survey is currently down for system maintenance, but employees can still respond to the survey, or update their responses, when the system comes back online on Monday, Dec. 6. We encourage you to enter or update your data by the end of the day on Monday if you haven’t been able to do so earlier.

Some employees who have already completed the survey may assume that the proof of vaccination they submitted has been verified because they haven’t yet been contacted by the validation team. However, because the system has been unavailable for the past two weeks, not all entries have been reviewed. Although no further action from you is needed at this time, be aware that this may change once the system is back online and the data contained in it available to reviewers.

Please keep in mind that employees who refuse to provide proof of vaccination and who do not have a pending request for a legally entitled accommodation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from federal service. Based on OPM guidance, USDA is using a three step approach: 1) letter of caution; 2) suspension; and 3) removal. The letters of caution were sent last month. Out of respect for the holiday season and in an effort to stay aligned with most other federal agencies, USDA will resume the progressive discipline process with notices of suspension beginning on Jan. 3, 2022.

Again, thank you for all your efforts to complete the proof of vaccination survey quickly and completely.