As the summer of 2021 began, masks were coming off and vaccinations were risings. Many individuals began traveling again for the first time in over a year. Most thought that we had reached the light at the end of the tunnel. Fast forward to the end of summer and COVID-19 hospitalizations are surging, particularly among America's deep south states. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, hospitalizations are up to 2,500 patients per day. The surge has even led some of country's most notable cities, including San Francisco and New Orleans, to require proof of vaccination for entry into certain indoor settings. Many employers are now revisiting plans to implement COVID-19 vaccination policies. Employers may encourage and mandate that employees receive the COVID-19 vaccination, subject to the exceptions provided for employees with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and sincerely held religious beliefs under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII). However, before implementing a mandatory vaccination policy, it is critical that employers develop a strategy to address several key areas of consideration. The strategy should include risk assessment, the development of clearly defined policies, protocols for collecting documentation, processes for reviewing exemption requests and processes for employees who lie about their vaccination status.