Home » Posts » Can My Employer Require Me to Use Vacation Days to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19?

Can My Employer Require Me to Use Vacation Days to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19?

“My employer is requiring employees to use vacation days to cover any time off that is needed due to side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. My employer is also refusing employees adequate time off for employees to quarantine following exposure to COVID-19. What should I do?”

Answer

Pandemic Patients encourages everyone to talk to their doctor about getting vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. Some individuals may be concerned about side effects from the vaccine; however, most people experience mild side effects that are not severe enough to require time off from work. Side effects are typically less severe for the first vaccine dose and become more prominent for subsequent doses. If you are able, choosing to get the vaccine on a Friday could allow you to take some time for yourself over the weekend to rest and to allow any side effects from the vaccine to resolve by the following Monday. Alternatively, requesting to work from home for one or two days following your vaccination can provide more flexibility for you to recover from any vaccine side effects.

The Department of Labor’s Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) issued a COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS on Nov. 5, 2021, which would require covered employers to provide a set amount of paid time off for employees to get vaccinated and to recover from any side effects that arise from the vaccine. However, the proposed rule was challenged in court and subsequently withdrawn on January 26, 2022, leaving employees without the benefit of paid time off for vaccination against COVID-19. OSHA may attempt to implement a similar regulation again in the future.

COVID-19 is highly infectious and can be contagious up to 14 days after you are initially exposed to the coronavirus. If you are unvaccinated, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends quarantining for at least five days following exposure to COVID-19. If your employer is refusing to allow you to follow the CDC’s quarantine guidance following a potential or confirmed exposure to COVID-19, they may be creating an unsafe environment for yourself and your coworkers. OSHA has published a fact sheet on filing a whistleblower complaint concerning a hazardous working condition. To file a complaint about a hazardous working condition with OSHA, you can visit a local area OSHA office or call 1-800-321-6742.

Click here to access other COVID-19 FAQ.

Pandemic Patients is Going to Washington

March 15, 2023

We are hosting a briefing about long COVID on Capitol Hill and we need your support!

March 15 is International Long COVID Awareness Day

March 13, 2023

On March 15, we will be observing International Long COVID Awareness Day, which serves to recognize the countless Americans who have been affected by long COVID.

Tips for Success: Long COVID and Disability Insurance Claims

February 8, 2023

If you are unable to work due to a disability, you may be eligible for short-term (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) insurance benefits. The application process for disability benefits can be complicated and time-consuming, and it can be difficult to know what to expect. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to increase your chances of having your claim for disability benefits approved.

What is Long-term Disability Insurance?

January 26, 2023

Long-term disability (LTD) insurance is a type of insurance that provides financial protection for employees who are unable to work due to a disability. It can help to replace a portion of an employee’s lost income and can provide important financial support for those who are facing a long-term illness or injury.