Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday that the New York State Department of Labor will issue guidance to employers indicating that any necessary recovery period from the COVID-19 vaccine is covered under the state’s Paid Sick Leave Law.

“Despite the side effects of vaccine being extremely limited, some studies have shown that there are individuals avoiding their shot out of fear of missing work the next day,” Cuomo said. “The Department of Labor will be issuing guidance to all employers reminding them that in the unlikely event someone needs time off after experiencing side effects, by law, that is considered a paid sick leave day.

On March 12, Cuomo signed legislation granting public and private employees time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Under the law, employees are granted up to four hours of excused leave per injection that will not be charged against any other leave the employee has earned or accrued.