From April 1, 'Vaccine Leave' Introduced... Up to Two Days for Adverse Reactions (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunbyeol Kim] The government is introducing a 'vaccine leave' system that grants leave to people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. This move comes as many individuals experience difficulties working due to fever or pain after vaccination.

On the 28th, the government held a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) and finalized measures to promote vaccine leave. Accordingly, starting from the 1st of next month, vaccinated individuals who experience adverse reactions can apply for leave without a doctor's note.

Considering that adverse reactions typically appear within 10 to 12 hours after vaccination, one day off will be granted the day after vaccination, and if adverse reactions occur, an additional day can be taken. In total, up to two days can be used.

This is based on the principle that common adverse reactions improve within two days after vaccination, and if symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, a visit to a medical institution is required.

Vaccine leave will be applied starting from the 1st of next month. For social welfare facilities, measures will be taken to allow the use of sick leave, paid leave, or work exclusion depending on the conditions of each business and facility. Medical institutions such as nursing hospitals, where vaccinations are already underway, will be encouraged to actively promote the use of leave in consultation with related associations. Additionally, for essential social personnel such as health teachers, police officers, firefighters, and soldiers, sick leave will be applied through interpretations of service regulations by the Ministry of Personnel Management and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. For flight attendants scheduled for vaccination in May, vaccine leave will be granted through consultations with airlines.

The government also plans to recommend and guide the private sector, including companies, to provide separate paid leave for vaccine leave to prevent wage loss or to use sick leave if available. Furthermore, it is recommended that paid leave or official leave be applied for the time required on the day of vaccination.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor will distribute workplace response guidelines and actively guide workplaces within its jurisdiction through local employment and labor offices.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to request cooperation through economic organizations such as the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Korea Employers Federation, affiliated institutions, and major industry associations. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups will actively inform small and medium enterprises and small business-related associations through local SME offices and affiliated institutions and encourage participation in the vaccine leave plan.

The CDSCH added, "We also plan to amend the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act to establish a legal basis for granting leave after vaccination."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.