Requiring annual influenza vaccination will reduce the risk that hospital and healthcare employees who have not received vaccinations pose to patients, other employees and their families, NBGH said in the press release.
NBGH also said hospitals should require annual flu vaccination of all employees as a condition of employment, unless employees can demonstrate medical contraindications with physician documentation or religious objections.
The statement also says exempted employees should not engage in direct patient care if they have flu-like symptoms. Instead, hospitals should either reassign these employees to non-patient care areas or require them to wear masks at all times during flu season when delivering care to patients.
The full position statement is available online.
Related Articles on Hospital Vaccinations:
Harrington HealthCare System Enacts Vaccination, Mask Policy
Study: Immunization Initiative Did Not Increase Overall Influenza Vaccination Rates
Advisory Committee Releases Recommendations on Healthcare Employee Vaccinations
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