You can also read FAQs about claims and COVID-19, FAQs for business accounts, and FAQs about working from home/working remotely.
Do you have a policy for adjudicating claims for adverse reactions to a COVID-19 vaccine?
In adjudicating claims related to adverse reactions from a COVID-19 vaccine, we are guided by our policy on Immunization against Infectious Disease, which specifically provides for entitlement for adverse reactions to immunization where immunization is a compulsory part of employment.
What is considered an adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine?
An adverse reaction is a serious unexpected reaction to a vaccine. These are the types of events that should be reported to a local public health unit.
For example, if the reaction requires medical treatment beyond first aid and/or requires absence from work for more than a few days. This indicates the reaction – in its severity and/or duration – has gone beyond the common mild expected reactions from immunization (fever, chills, pain at the injection site, fatigue and headaches which should resolve on their own in a few days).
I had a reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine. Can I get WSIB benefits/file a claim?
If you received a vaccine as a compulsory part of your employment and experienced an adverse reaction, you may be eligible for benefits.
Expected reactions to a COVID-19 vaccine, per public health guidance, may include fever, chills, pain at the injection site, fatigue and headaches which should resolve on their own in a few days. These do not constitute an adverse reaction for the purposes of entitlement to WSIB benefits. An adverse reaction is a serious, unexpected reaction to a vaccine.
When determining whether a reaction to a COVID-19 vaccination is work-related, the WSIB considers:
1. Whether the vaccination was a compulsory part of your employment
A vaccination will be a compulsory part of your employment if your employer has a rule or policy that requires employees to be vaccinated or if your employer uses some element of coercion for vaccination e.g. threat of termination of employment, job changes or penalties).
2. Whether the reaction is adverse, e.g., serious and unexpected, such as the types of events that should be reported to a local public health unit.
If the reaction requires medical treatment beyond first aid and/or requires your absence from work for more than a few days, this indicates that the reaction – in its severity or duration – has gone beyond the expected reaction from vaccination.
If you received a COVID-19 vaccine as a compulsory part of your employment and experienced an adverse reaction, you should report this to your employer and file a claim so the WSIB can determine if you are eligible for benefits.
My employee says they had a reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine and can’t come to work. Do I have to report the illness to the WSIB?
If an employee received a vaccine as a compulsory part of their employment - despite the location of the clinic - and you learn they experienced an adverse reaction that required medical treatment beyond first aid and/or required absence from work for more than a few days, you must report the injury or illness to the WSIB.
Normal expected reactions to a COVID-19 vaccine, per public health guidance, may include fever, chills, pain at the injection site, fatigue and headaches which should resolve on their own in a few days. These do not constitute an adverse reaction for the purposes of entitlement to WSIB benefits and do not need to be reported if the vaccine was a compulsory part of their employment.
If my employee has an adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine that is compulsory for their employment, will the costs be charged against the employer?
No. Costs associated with COVID-19 vaccination claims will not be allocated at an employer or class level for Schedule 1 businesses. Instead, they will be allocated on a Schedule-wide basis. No incident would be shown against the employer’s record and there will be no change in premium rates.
COVID-19 vaccinations and return to work
I’ve been off work and receiving loss-of-earnings benefits due to a work-related injury. I’m now ready to return to work, but have to be vaccinated to go back. If I’m not vaccinated and can’t go back, will I still receive benefits?
I’ve been off work and receiving loss-of-earnings benefits due to a work-related injury. My employer has offered me modified work, but I have to be vaccinated to go back. If I’m not vaccinated and refuse the modified work, will my benefits be reduced?
Yes. If modified work is suitable and available, and the only reason you can’t return to work is because you are not vaccinated or you are unable to provide proof of your vaccination, this is not related to your work-related injury or illness. In these cases, your loss-of-earnings benefits may be adjusted. If you have a valid medical or other exemption from being vaccinated, we will work with you and your employer, while considering everyone’s obligations under Ontario’s Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act.
I’m participating in a training program as part of my return-to-work plan, but to attend I need to provide proof of vaccination OR a negative COVID-19 test. If I can’t provide either, what will happen to my benefits if I can’t complete the training?
If the only reason you can’t participate in the training is because you are not vaccinated or unable to provide proof of your vaccination and cannot show a negative COVID-19 test when required, this is not related to your work-related injury or illness. In these cases, your loss-of-earnings benefits may be adjusted. If you have a valid medical or other exemption from being vaccinated, we will work with you and the training provider considering everyone’s obligations under Ontario’s Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act.