Vaccination leave for workers: Q&A

The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced the  COVID-19 vaccination leave policy to ensure the rights and interests of vaccine recipients. [Taiwan's New Immigrants' Global News Network] gathered a set of Q&A in accordance with the labor rights under the Ministry of Labor (MOL).

"Vaccination leave" for workers: Q&A

1. Who can apply for the vaccination leave?

Answer: Workers or civil servants (both public and private sectors)

2. How long is the vaccination leave?

Answer: Starting from the date of vaccination until 24:00 on the following day

3. How can I get the vaccination leave certificate?

Answer: An individual can apply to take such leave by providing his or her COVID-19 vaccination record card, and a certificate of diagnosis or any other certificate is not required.

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Vaccination leave Q&A. (Photo / Retrieved from United Daily News UDN)

4. What is the protection of rights and interests?

Answer: (1) For those who meet the requirements for vaccination leave, the employer must grant the leave and not treat it as absence, forced labor, personal leave, or other kinds of leave, and shall not deduct any bonuses or give disadvantages. (2) Since vaccinations are not attributable to the employer, the employer is not required to give paid leave, it may be negotiated between the employer and employee. (3) If the employer withholds the full attendance bonus they will be punished in accordance with the violation of Article 22 of the Labor Standards Act. If wages are not paid in full, or if forced laborers must take leave, it will be a violation of Article 38 or Article 43 of the Labor Standards Law. Penalties will amount to NTD20,000 to NTD1 million.

5. How can I ask for leave if I continue to feel unwell after my vaccination leave period?

Answer: (1) If symptoms persist after vaccination, seek medical attention immediately. If it is confirmed to be symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, report it in accordance with the CECC's regulations (2) If symptoms persist, and it is confirmed to be ordinary sickness or fever, the worker may take an ordinary sick leave.

6. Can employers require their workers to be vaccinated before working?

In accordance with the CECC's regulations, for those working in welfare institutions (community-based), there are set "service conditions" providing at least 80% of staff with vaccinations. Those not yet vaccinated within 14 days of beginning work must take the PCR test at their own expense. A test must be administered every week while under the nationwide level 3 alert.

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 Contact the 1955 hotline for the MOL's labor consultation and complaints. (Photo / Provided by the Ministry of Labor)

In conclusion, all vaccinations for workers must be done in accordance with the CECC's regulation. If the CECC does not specify the need for workers to be vaccinated, employers cannot force them to get vaccinated.

For other related information, please contact the 1955 hotline for the MOL's labor counseling and complaints.