Extra Sick Leave Could Cover NYC Kids' Reactions To COVID Vaccine

New York City NY

08 November, 2021

11:20 AM

Description

NEW YORK CITY — New York City parents have leapt on the chance to get their kids between 5- and 11-years-old vaccinated against COVID-19 — and they could soon get extra sick leave for each dose. Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday that all city workers and contractors will get four hours of sick leave per child who gets the coronavirus vaccine. He said officials are working make sure the benefit extends to all parents across the five boroughs. "For the rest of New Yorkers, we're moving quickly with the City Council to pass legislation and apply it retroactively," he said. Parents will be able to use that sick leave time to be with their children up to 18 years old when they get the COVID-19 vaccine — a requirement unless they give verbal consent at school vaccination sites. But the extra four hours could also help parents for another reason: reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine. "Caregivers can use this time to take their child to get vaccinated or ... to care for the child if they're experiencing side effects," Peter Hatch, the city's commissioner of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, said. The sick leave promise comes amid a wave of demand among parents to get their newly eligible 5- to 11-year-old children the vaccine. Nearly 17,000 children that age have so far received their first dose, de Blasio said. He noted schools across the city starting Monday are also offering shots to those children. But reports of vaccine supply shortages and long lines at those schools emerged throughout that morning. De Blasio said four vaccination sites had a supply delay and 12 scattered across Manhattan and Brooklyn experienced lines. He said health officials based the supply based off the rollout for vaccinations for 12- to 17-year-olds, which was sluggish at first. "We're seeing a lot of demand now," he said. De Blasio said officials will work quickly to address any shortfalls. Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi said officials will adjust supply so parents can get their children vaccinated at the site of their choosing. Read more: COVID-19: Where To Get Your Child Vaccinated In New York City