While it is “reasonable” to introduce mandatory vaccination for some workers in Lithuania, the government must at the same time put in place a damage compensation mechanism, the president believes.
“The president has already said on more than one occasion that he would see the move as reasonable, especially when it comes to vital sectors,” Irena Segalovičienė, President Gitanas Nausėda's chief economic and social policy adviser, told LRT RADIO, commenting on the government's proposal to make vaccination compulsory for health and social workers.
Read more: Lithuanian government approves mandatory vaccinations for medical, social workers
“However, the president also sets out what he sees as the necessary conditions. If the government makes vaccinations compulsory, it must also create a system of compensation for damages,” she added.
According to the adviser, “compulsory vaccination and compensation must work in tandem”.
“We see this practice in other countries and in this way the state takes responsibility for such an obligation, its possible consequences, and additionally increases trust in vaccines,” Segalovičienė added.
On Wednesday, the cabinet approved draft legislation to introduce mandatory coronavirus vaccinations for workers in health and social care sectors.
The package will now be tabled to the parliament for approval.
The government will ask the parliament to debate and vote on the amendments under a fast-track procedure. If passed, the package could come into force on February 14.
“During national extreme situations or lockdowns, and if there are enough vaccines, some workers could only work after completing a full vaccination schedule and getting a booster shot,” Health Minister Arūnas Dulkys said while presenting the proposed amendments to the cabinet.
The vaccination requirement will not apply to workers who cannot take the jab for medical reasons or those who have recently recovered from Covid-19.
Unvaccinated employees in healthcare or social work will not be allowed to work in-person. They would have to switch to telework or, if that is impossible, be suspended without pay.
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