THE Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) moved to grant compensation to all covered members who got vaccinated under the Covid-19 Vaccination Program in the event of disability, death, or serious adverse effects that may arise from the use of duly authorized Covid-19 vaccines.
The commission approved Board Resolution 21-03-08 on March 11, 2021, acknowledging the need to promulgate a policy on the granting of compensation to all covered members in case of injury or hospital confinement due to any serious adverse effects that resulted in disability or death due to inoculation under Republic Act 11525 or the Covid-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021.
“Although the vaccination program is outside the regular duties of the employees, the ECC recognizes that it is within the course of employment as it will bring mutual benefits between employers and employees through the prevention of infection among workers. It will also protect employers against consequences due to down time loss because of absenteeism of infected employees,” ECC’s Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said.
EC compensation in the form of loss of income benefits, medical benefits, death and funeral benefits, and rehabilitation services. ECC shall grant EC benefits upon confirmation of the SSS and GSIS of the causal connection between the vaccination and its medical consequences as supported by relevant medical records and/or findings.
The EC benefits will be in addition to the benefits granted by other government agencies as provided for in other laws.
Although vaccination has started, the public is called to continue practicing safety precautions such as physical distancing, proper hand hygiene, proper wearing of face shield and face mask, and staying home, if possible. (PR)