TCS, Infosys, Accenture to cover Covid vaccine cost for eligible employees

Third phase of vaccinations for Covid-19 starting March 1 includes eligible citizens above 60 years of age and those between 45 and 59 years with specified co-morbidities

Information Technology majors Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services and Accenture India said Wednesday that they will cover Covid-19 vaccination costs for their employees and their family members, who are eligible and choose to receive the vaccination.

"Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have supported end-to-end treatment and care for all our associates and their families, across the globe, through our comprehensive associate well-being programs. This included Covid testing and treatment, setting up of free isolation centers & free test camps across locations in India, premier care in hospitals for COVID treatment, among other initiatives. Our employee well being program, TCS Cares, enabled emotional support to ensure holistic care. We remain committed to the well being and care of all our associates & their families and this will continue in the vaccination phase as well," said a TCS spokesperson. 

India's second largest IT services firm, Bengaluru-based Infosys, also said it will support employees for vaccination. 

"Infosys is looking at partnering with health care providers to vaccinate employees and their immediate families as eligible under the guidelines given by the government of India and as per approved procedures and timelines. Infosys will cover the vaccination cost for the employee and immediate family as part of our focus on health and wellness,” said Pravin Rao, Chief Operating Officer, Infosys.

Accenture in India will also cover the cost for the employee and their dependents who are part of the company's medical benefits programme.

“As we continue to navigate the pandemic, nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our people. At Accenture in India we have continued to monitor and consider the guidance of external experts and groups, including international health organizations and local health authorities. Based on this, we strongly support the scientific and public health advice that encourages vaccination," said  Rekha M Menon, Chairperson and Senior Managing Director, Accenture in India.

In response to a tweet from businessman Suhel Seth asking India's top 1000 companies to cover costs of the Covid-19 vaccine for their employees, Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra tweeted: "We made this offer quite a while ago.  Just awaiting permission. Should come soon."

India began rolling out the third phase of vaccinations for Covid-19 from March 1, and includes eligible citizens above 60 years of age and 45 to 59 years with specified co-morbidities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday set the ball rolling for the third phase of vaccination with an early-morning jab of Covaxin, the vaccine made by Indias Bharat Biotech, at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences.