ARTICLE
Governor Cuomo signed a new law last week that allows all employees to take up to four paid hours off from work to get the COVID-19 vaccination. The law explicitly states that the four-hour allotment applies per vaccine injection. An employee may receive additional time if allowed by a CBA or otherwise authorized by the employer. Also note that the vaccination time cannot be charged against any other leave an employee may be entitled to, including NYS Paid Sick Leave. The law also prohibits employers from discriminating or retaliating against any employee for requesting or obtaining a leave of absence to be vaccinated for COVID-19. The new vaccination leave law takes effect immediately and expires on Dec. 31, 2022. Note that per the extension of the Federal quarantine tax credit, obtaining a COVID-19 immunization now qualifies for this credit