Some exceptions to Netflix’s vaccine mandate will be made, but they’ll be limited to medical, religious or age reasons. Some exceptions will also be considered in a few cases for television series and movies that are already in production. The streaming platform’s mandatory vaccination policy is the strongest measure it can enforce under the current return-to-work protocols.
The streaming platform is closely following the recently updated return-to-work protocols agreed upon by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, as well as the film and television industry’s top unions and guilds, including SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, the DGA and the Teamsters, and major studios. The protocols state that Hollywood may mandate vaccinations in Zone A on a project-by-project basis, and productions can ease current protocols for fully vaccinated cast and crew.
The vaccine mandate on Netflix productions comes after the Writers Guild of America’s recommendation that filmmakers who attend in-person writers rooms be fully vaccinated. The guild also suggested that scribes should be allowed to work remotely if they’re not vaccinated, even if their room is operating in-person on site.
The streaming service’s decision also comes after two-time Oscar-winning actor, Sean Penn stated that he won’t return to work on his upcoming Starz political thriller television series, Gaslit, until everyone on the production has been vaccinated. The premium cable network has since adopted the mandatory vaccination policy, Deadline reported last week.
The current fourth COVID wave in the U.S. also influenced Netflix’s choice to require actors and crew members in Zone A be fully vaccinated. The new highly contagious Delta variant has brought set safety protocols regarding the virus back to the spotlight. While the vaccine doesn’t fully protect people from breakthrough infections, it is considered a crucial safeguard alongside such existing safety protocols as regular testing, PPE and social distancing.
