Idaho Gov. Offers Paid Time Off For COVID Vaccine, Calls On Businesses To Follow Suit

By Audrey Dutton, Idaho Capital Sun

June 17, 2021

With about 25,000 employees, the state is Idaho’s largest employer.

The announcement comes as Idaho’s coronavirus vaccination rates have settled down into a low, slow pace. Only about half of Idaho adults have been vaccinated so far. Public health officials are hoping to encourage Idahoans age 12 and over to get their shots before fall, when respiratory diseases typically begin to surge and children return to classrooms.

Little said the incentive would apply for any state employee who has already been vaccinated, or who chooses to get vaccinated before Aug. 31.

“Idaho’s economy has remained strong throughout the pandemic and continues to outpace other states’ recoveries,” Little said in a letter to the state’s workers. “The COVID-19 vaccine is our best tool to protect jobs, strengthen our workforce, and save lives.”

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has recommended employers offer time off, to incentivize their workers protecting themselves from the coronavirus. That can minimize the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks in the workplace. The time off also may allow workers to rest if they experience side effects, such as a fever or fatigue, from the vaccine.

“I encourage private employers to consider offering their employees the same benefit,” Little said on Twitter. “The COVID-19 vaccine is our best tool to protect jobs, strengthen our workforce, and save lives.”

Marissa Morrison Hyer, Little’s press secretary, said the benefit is four hours total, whether a person receives a one- or two-dose vaccine.

“There is no incremental cost to state government for this benefit,” she said. “Agencies are fully appropriated for personnel, and this will be managed within current agency budgets.”

The Idaho Capital Sun, the Gem State’s newest nonprofit news organization, delivers accountability reporting on state government, politics and policy.