DOLE urges time off for workers joining vaccination

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is urging employers to allow workers time off to accompany their children to measles-rubella vaccination sites, supporting the government’s ongoing immunization campaign led by the Department of Health (DOH).

In a statement issued Saturday, DOLE said the appeal aligns with national efforts to safeguard public health through the government’s Measles-Rubella and Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), which aims to boost protection among children and prevent potential outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The directive was issued under Labor Advisory No. 02, Series of 2026, which encourages private-sector employers to adopt flexible arrangements so parents and guardians can ensure their children receive the recommended vaccines.

“Employees may also be excused when they need to care for their children due to adverse effects or reactions to the vaccine on the day after vaccination,” DOLE said.

Under the advisory, employees may be required to present proof of their child’s vaccination and may charge their absence to available leave credits, where applicable.

DOLE said the guidance covers all private establishments and called on employers to help disseminate accurate information about measles-rubella vaccination through both online and offline communication channels.

The agency also encouraged companies with existing workplace health programs to coordinate or host their own vaccination activities, where feasible, as part of broader efforts to increase immunization coverage and reduce the risk of measles resurgence in communities.—MCG, GMA Integrated News