CSC: Absences due to COVID vaccination may be excused

Absences of government workers due to COVID-19 vaccination may be considered an excused absence. This is according to the latest announcement of the Civil Service Commission on Wednesday.

As per CSC Memorandum Circular No. 16, series of 2021, absences incurred by government officials and employees during the day of the inoculation of COVID-19 vaccine and/or the required treatment or recuperation period from any AEFI of COVID-19 vaccine may be considered excused. This includes future booster shots inoculation.

AEFI or Adverse Event Following Immunization refers to any untoward medical occurrence which follows immunization and which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the usage of vaccines.

Coverage:

The guidelines apply to all government officials and employees regardless of the status of the appointment:

• permanent,
• temporary,
• provisional,
• substitute,
• coterminous,
• casual,
• contractual or
• fixed term
• local elective officials

Guidelines

Absence due to vaccination

Absence from work during the day of inoculation of the first and second
dose of COVID-19 vaccine, including future booster shots, whenever
applicable, shall be considered as an excused absence. Government officials and employees availing the one (1)-day excused absence during the inoculation of COVID-19 vaccine shall submit:

• • Proof of vaccination schedule, e.g. vaccination card,
  • along with the application for leave of absence, five (5) days prior to the scheduled vaccination date, if applicable, to their respective head of office/department/unit for approval.

Absence due to AEFI

Absence from work due to the required treatment/recuperation period from AEFI of the first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, including future booster shots, whenever applicable, shall be considered as excused
absence.

Serious AEFI

• Hospitalization
  • Severe reaction with unusual symptoms such as, but not limited to difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face, and tightening of the throat which requires hospitalization) or prolonging of an
    existing hospitalization;
• Persistent or significant disability or incapacity
• Life-threatening; or Medically important event or reaction

Treatment and recuperation period: maximum of fifteen (15) calendar days

Required documents upon return to work

Submit to the agency’s HR Office/Unit the following:

1. Application for Leave of absence
2. Copy of Immunization/Vaccination Card, with indicated information on the local vaccination operations center or vaccination site
3. Medical Certificate and/or clinical abstract indicating the diagnosis, management done and number of days of recuperation needed, signed by the attending physician, either in original copy or electronic copy, with indicated contact information

Non-Serious AEFI

Non-serious or minor AEFIs such as, but not limited to:

• tenderness,
• pain,
• warmth,
• redness,
• itching or swelling on the arm where you got the injection
• generally feeling unwell
• feeling tired (fatigue)
• chills or feeling feverish
• headache
• joint pain or muscle ache

Treatment and recuperation period: maximum of three (3) calendar days

Required documents upon return to work

Submit to the agency’s HR Office/Unit the following:

1. Application for Leave of absence
2. Copy of Immunization/ Vaccination Card, with indicated information on the local vaccination operations center or vaccination site.
3. Medical Certificate signed by an attending physician at
   the vaccination center or medical facility where the official or employee
   underwent observation due to AEFI.

SOURCE: CSC, CSC MC 16 s. 2021