OSHA has issued new frequently asked questions (FAQs) on recording illnesses caused by required and recommended COVID-19 vaccinations. The FAQs state that, in general, an adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine is recordable if the reaction is work related, a new case and meets one or more of the general recording criteria in 29 CFR 1904.7.

In addition, if employers require employees to be vaccinated as a condition of employment (i.e., for work-related reasons), then any adverse reaction to the vaccine is work-related. Adverse reactions are recordable if they are new cases under 29 CFR 1904.6 and meet one or more of the general reporting criteria in 29 CFR 1904.7.

OSHA is not currently requiring employers to record adverse effects from COVID-19 vaccines that are recommended, but not required.

Find further information on preventing COVID-19 in the workplace on OSHA’s Coronavirus webpage.

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