Administrative Leave in some circumstances for COVID Vaccinations and OWCP benefits

OCHCO updated the “Leave for Individuals who Receive the COVID-19 Vaccination” bulletin with the following changes:

1. Removes the obsolete reference to VHA Directive 1193, as this was superseded by VA Notice 22-01
2. Clarify appropriate leave category for employees receiving the booster or additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
3. Clarify two days of AA following a severe, adverse reaction to administration of the vaccine
4. Clarify that employees who file a Workers’ Compensation claim may be eligible for continuation of pay, if applicable criteria are met
5. Clarifies the type of leave available for employees to use when accompanying a family member to receive the COVID-19 vaccine
6. Following guidance from OPM, defines the definition of a son or daughter
7. Updates the Workers’ Compensation Claim information for the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine (not the booster or additional dose)
8. Separates claim information for employees who have a serious physical injury related to the booster or additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

Additionally, OCHCO developed a two-page chart to provide a quick reference guide to the type of leave available to employees based on several COVID-19 vaccination-related scenarios.

Alma L. Lee, National VA Council, President