Oct
13

COVID OSHEM Program Update: Boosters and Administrative Leave

COVID-19 and the Way Ahead

With autumn here and winter fast approaching bringing more opportunities to gather indoors, now is a good time to get a COVID booster. 

COVID-19 vaccines are still the best defense against becoming seriously ill, being hospitalized, and avoiding complications. The latest boosters go a step further and protect us from both the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variants. Booster recommendations and eligibility are based on your personal factors. Consult this CDC webpage, which includes a “Find Out When You Can Get Your Booster” calculator and/or speak with your primary care professionals if you need help determining when to be boosted, including if you’ve recently tested positive. To find a convenient vaccination location near you, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/.

To aid and support those who chose to receive the vaccination, the Secretary has authorized two leave options:

  1. Four (4) hours of paid administrative leave to receive each COVID vaccination dose and boosters. Employees may also request this benefit to accompany a dependent to their vaccination appointment; and,
  2. Up to 16 hours of paid administrative leave for employees to recover from side effects from a recently administered COVID vaccine (including boosters).

To request leave please follow your unit’s leave request procedures and if you have questions, consult the COVID Leave Options, contact your supervisor, or reach out to the Office of Human Resources at OHR-Policy@si.edu.

Thank you for continuing to protect your health as well as the health and wellbeing of those around you. Please visit the Smithsonian’s COVID Way Ahead website to learn more about our current safety measures, get answers to your frequently asked questions, and stay up to date with our latest resources.

Stay COVID Safe,
OSHEM COVID Program
s.si.edu/COVID-19

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Posted: 13 October 2022
About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.