# Plain Language Summary of H.R. 4980

This bill would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to make sure that everyone boarding a flight in the United States is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The requirement would apply to any flight departing from or arriving at a U.S. airport or territory airport. Essentially, if this bill became law, you wouldn't be able to get on a plane without proof that you've received all the recommended doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.

The bill does include an important exception: people who are medically unable to get vaccinated or ineligible for vaccination wouldn't be forced to comply with the requirement. This would cover situations where someone has a documented medical condition that prevents them from safely receiving the vaccine. However, the bill doesn't specify exactly how people would prove they fall into this exception category or what documentation would be needed.

The bill defines "fully vaccinated" as having received all recommended doses of any COVID-19 vaccine that has been officially licensed by the FDA or authorized for emergency use. This means vaccines that have gone through the government's approval process would qualify. The bill was introduced in August 2021 and referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security, but it's important to note this is just a proposal—it would need to pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the President to become actual law.

To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that any individual traveling on a flight that departs from or arrives to an airport inside the United States or a territory of the United States is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and for other purposes.

 <p>This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure that any individual traveling on a flight that departs from or arrives to an airport inside the United States or a U.S. territory is fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The TSA must also ensure that there is an exception to the requirement for an individual who is ineligible or medically unable to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.</p>