Illness or Injury
If you are managing a temporary or permanent illness or injury (whether it is physical or mental), there are benefits to help you manage your condition from time-off to medical support programs.
Notify Your Manager That You Will Be Out of the Office
Regardless of how much time you will be out of the office, notify your manager that you will be out, and follow any local time-off reporting practices that may apply. Remember: If you have any symptoms of a respiratory illness (COVID, flu or RSV), please stay at home until you are fever-free for 24 hours and your symptoms have resolved or significantly improved.
Understand Your Time-Off Options
Sick days
If you will be out of the office for fewer than 5 consecutive days (that is, 4 workdays or less in a row), paid sick time is available for the occasional sick day. Colleagues are not provided with a set number of sick days for absences related to their own illness or medical appointments. PGS overtime eligible colleagues should consult the PGS OTE Attendance policy. (Union colleagues should consult their collective bargaining agreement for information about union sick days.) Site attendance policies may apply; check with your direct supervisor or local People Experience contact for site attendance policy information.
If You Have a Recurring or Ongoing Health Condition
If occasional sick days are expected to be ongoing in nature, e.g., chronic migraines, chemotherapy treatment, physical therapy, you are required to contact the Pfizer Colleague Service Center to apply for Intermittent Family and Medical Leave (FMLA). FMLA is subject to eligibility and approval. See “Short-Term Disability Leave and/or Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)” below for more information on the FMLA.
Short-Term Disability Leave and/or Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
If you need to take 5 or more consecutive workdays (that is, more than 4 workdays in a row), you will need to apply for short-term disability (STD) leave and, if eligible, for FMLA. Review the Pfizer Short-Term Disability booklet and FAQs on Fuse for additional information.
If you are approved for STD leave, the Pfizer STD Policy provides you with base pay salary continuation for a period of time, while you are disabled, as outlined below:
The STD application process varies based on whether your leave is planned, such as for the birth of a child or a scheduled medical procedure or unplanned, such as an injury, sudden illness or emergency cesarean section. If your leave is related to pregnancy, review the Expanding Your Family life event for more information.
To request an STD leave and/or FMLA (leave), contact the Pfizer Colleague Service Center at 1-866-476-8723 (follow the Colleague Services prompt to Disability and Leaves); they will send you information on how to apply for leave and other relevant material, depending on your health condition.
- If your leave is planned: call as soon as you know (but no more than 30 days before your planned surgery or scheduled treatment).
- If your leave is unplanned: call on or before the fifth consecutive workday that you are absent from work. If you are unable to call, have a loved one call on your behalf. Otherwise, you will need to call once you are able, but no later than one month after your first day of absence.
Note: When your STD and/or FMLA leave is initiated, your manager will receive a system-generated notification. You should not share details of your medical condition with your manager or other Pfizer colleagues; you are only required to discuss details related to your health condition for your leave of absence with the Pfizer NY Disability Team.
Submitting STD and/or FMLA Claim Forms
You or your health care provider must submit your completed claim forms to the Pfizer NY Disability Team within 15 days of receipt. Your health care provider may be required to provide supporting medical documentation as well.
Receiving STD Benefits
The Pfizer Leave Care Team will communicate with you regarding your case, including the period of time your disability leave is approved and/or any additional information needed from you and/or your provider.
State and/or local jurisdictions may also provide disability benefits. In certain states, you will need to apply for state disability benefits and Pfizer will coordinate Pfizer disability payments with state disability benefits, as applicable. Review the Pfizer Short-Term Disability booklet and FAQs for additional information, including any state-specific requirements.
Returning to Work
Before the end of your leave, you must contact the Pfizer NY Disability Team to discuss the return-to-work process and receive clearance to return to work. On your return date, you must contact the Pfizer Colleague Service Center at 1-866-476-8723 (follow the Colleague Services prompt to Disability and Leaves) to confirm that you have returned to work. If you do not obtain clearance and contact the Pfizer Colleague Service Center on the day you return there could be an impact to your pay.
Long-Term Disability
If your disability extends beyond 26 weeks, you may qualify for long-term disability (LTD). If applicable, you will receive information from Pfizer about applying for LTD benefits approximately 60 days before your STD leave is about to exhaust. Review the Long-Term Disability Benefits Brochure for more information on how your employment and benefits are impacted, if you are approved for long-term disability.
Understand How Your Pfizer Benefits Are Impacted While on STD/FMLA Leave
Generally, while on a paid leave such as STD most of your Pfizer benefits continue. If you are on an unpaid leave, you will be able to continue certain health and insurance benefits. The Pfizer Benefits Center will invoice you directly for your share of the cost and you must pay those invoices on a timely basis to continue coverage. Also, some benefits will be suspended while you are on an unpaid leave of absence. Information about benefit treatment is located in the STD and FMLA policy information on Fuse. Contact the Pfizer Benefits Center for questions about health, insurance and savings plan related benefit information. You can also review the Benefit Plan chart in the Short-Term Disability booklet.
Get Health and Emotional Support
You have access to various programs, including many that are provided at no additional cost to help you manage your health:
- Medical support programs to help you navigate your treatment options, understand costs, help with health claim issues and more
- Mental health resources offering confidential mental health and substance use support
- Wellness programs to help you focus on your physical health, foster better mental health, and practice mindfulness
Get Care for You and Your Loved Ones
Take comfort in knowing that even when you need extra care, there are resources at no cost or discounted rates to help care for your children, spouse/partner, parent(s), pet or other loved ones, including center-based and in-home care, expert advice, educational support, and much more. You can even get help with caring for yourself!
(As of Sept. 1, 2021 or hire date if later)
Includes One-Time HealthEquity $50 Contribution
(individual/family)
