The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is encouraging private-sector employers to allow employees who will accompany their children during the nationwide Measles-Rubella and Bivalent-Oral Polio Vaccine immunization activity to be excused from work.
The DOLE issued Labor Advisory No. 04, Series of 2024 signed by Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma in support of the government’s nationwide immunization activity on April 1-15.
According to DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, private sector employers, particularly those with employees who have children aged 6-59 months, are highly encouraged to allow their employees to be excused from work when they accompany their children on scheduled vaccination or when they must take care of their children who will experience adverse effects or reactions to the vaccine.
Upon resumption of work, the concerned employee shall present proof of vaccination and may likewise be allowed to utilize their available leave credits during the immunization activity subject to company policy or collective bargaining agreement granting the same.
Employers are also advised to coordinate with the health department of the local government units on the scheduled immunization to ensure availment of the said vaccines.
Meanwhile, those with institutionalized immunization programs are encouraged, through their occupational safety and health committee, to conduct the immunization activity in the establishment as part of their occupational safety and health program or family welfare program.