Coronavirus Vaccination Reactions – Will Workers Comp Cover Your Employees?

​Private firms and businesses are preparing for the worsening effects of the coronavirus pandemic by vaccinating their employees. If you encourage your employees to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, you must work together with a health provider or agency to administer the vaccine. You should also contact your insurance company for possible workers’ compensation liability should an adverse reaction occur.

• No Coverage If
  If you use a third-party provider to vaccinate your employees and vaccination is voluntary. Still, an employee suffers from an adverse reaction; your worker's comp may not cover the medical costs of treatment. 
  
  Experts say that it is unlikely that a side effect would result in workers comp claims as the employee has voluntarily decided to get vaccinated. The employer is simply offering a service for his employees, and the vaccination is not within the scope of the employee's work. 
  
  But if the vaccine benefits an employee's job and is provided during his work, and the employee suffers an adverse reaction, this is a work-related injury. If the vaccination is voluntary, is paid by the employer, and the employer encouraged the vaccination and benefited from it, an employee can use these as grounds to file for worker's comp coverage. 
  
  
• Review State Laws
  Review your state laws regarding vaccine delivery. Generally, suppose an employer requires that a vaccine be received at the worksite, and there is a severe reaction to it like a severe illness or an injury. In that case, the employee qualifies for workers comp coverage. This policy prevents all possible claims and will block the employee from taking legal action. 
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• The PREP Act
  Take note of the PREP Act or the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. It provides liability immunity to persons against claims of loss due to the administration of vaccines recommended by the FDA. Consult your insurance provider about the PREP Act.

Talk to Your Provider Right Away
If you’re planning to distribute COVID-19 vaccines at work, talk to your insurance provider about workers comp coverage. Update your premium if necessary and inform your employees of theirs as well. 

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