Government workers can file compensation claims should they have an “adverse reaction” to the COVID-19 vaccine or are hurt while getting vaccinated, according to the Department of Labor.
A Federal Employees’ Compensation Act bulletin clarifies that, while preventive measures such as inoculations don’t typically fall within the scope of claims because the Biden administration has mandated the vaccine as a requisite for most government employees, those who receive the shot after the mandate was announced “may be afforded coverage under the FECA for any adverse reactions to the vaccine itself, and for any injuries sustained while obtaining the vaccination.”
Examples of injuries sustained while getting the vaccine include accidents while traveling to and from the vaccination site or if the employee slips and falls in the process of getting the shot at the vaccination site.
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In evaluating claims, the examiner must confirm that the employee in question followed their employing agency’s policies in obtaining their vaccination.
President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Sept. 9 that mandated all federal employees get vaccinated. Updated guidance on the matter clarified that the requirement applies to all employees, even those who work remotely.
August guidance by the Safe Federal Workforce Task Force additionally states that government agencies must give up to two days of administrative leave if an employee has an adverse reaction to the vaccine, according to FEDWeek.
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Biden also mandated companies with federal contracts to compel their staff to be vaccinated. The administration is additionally requiring vaccination or regular negative COVID-19 tests for workers at companies with more than 100 employees, although exact guidance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has not been published.
