With the Omicron booster now widely available, New York State employers should remember workers are eligible for up to 4 hours of paid leave to receive each vaccine shot.
Employers of all sizes and industries must provide all employees (including full-time, part-time, temporary and household workers) with sufficient time to be vaccinated for COVID-19, up to 4 hours per injection, at their regular rate of pay.
Employers cannot discriminate or retaliate against employees who request a leave of absence to be vaccinated, and cannot deduct the time from other employee benefits such as paid sick leave. This includes recovery from any side effects of the vaccine.
Employers can demand proof of vaccination, as well as require employees to receive the booster and bar them from the workplace if they refuse.
In New York City, employers must provide workers with up to 4 hours of paid leave to have their kids vaccinated, per child and per shot. This includes parents or legal guardians of kids under 18 or an older child with a mental or physical disability.
NYC workers can also use their paid leave to care for kids experiencing side effects from the vaccine.
The law is effective through December 31, 2022, but is expected to be extended.
