Pursuant to new legislation signed into law on March 12, New York employees are now entitled to paid time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The legislation, Senate Bill 2588-A/Assembly Bill 3354-B, grants up to four (4) hours of excused leave per injection to all employees. If the time necessary to obtain an injection is less than four (4) hours, then an employee is entitled to paid leave only up to the time it takes to get the injection. This “vaccine leave” is in addition to any other leave to which the employee is entitled, such as paid sick leave.
The new law provides that the time must be paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay. Additionally, the law prohibits employers from discriminating or retaliating against employees who request to take a leave of absence to be vaccinated for COVID-19. The law expires on December 31, 2022.
If you have any questions regarding COVID-related time off or employment issues, please contact us at (631) 738-9100.