New York: Paid Vaccination Leave Available Through 2022

APPLIES TO

All Employers with NY Employees

EFFECTIVE

March 12, 2021

QUESTIONS?

Contact HR On-Call

(888) 378-2456

On March 12, 2021, and effective immediately, Governor Cuomo signed a new bill requiring employers to provide up to “sufficient time off” for an employee to receive COVID-19 vaccination, up to a maximum of four hours per injection. If an employee must receive multiple injections for the vaccination, the employee is entitled to four hours of vaccine leave for each injection. This leave is only available for employees receiving their own COVID-19 vaccination.

The COVID-19 vaccination leave must be paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay and runs independently of any other leave bank an employee is entitled to (e.g., paid sick leave, vacation, etc.). COVID-19 vaccination leave is available until December 31, 2022.

Employers are prohibited from discriminating or retaliating against employees who take or request COVID-19 vaccination leave. Furthermore, while employers may not require employees to provide advance notice before utilizing leave, an employer may request proof of vaccination. The state also released an FAQ regarding vaccination leave, available here.

Action Items

  1. Read the text of the bill here.
  2. Have appropriate personnel trained on the new leave requirements.
  3. Subscribers can call our HR On-Call Hotline at (888) 378-2456 for further assistance.

Disclaimer: This document is designed to provide general information and guidance concerning employment-related issues. It is presented with the understanding that ManagEase is not engaged in rendering any legal opinions. If a legal opinion is needed, please contact the services of your own legal adviser.

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