Virginia Mason News

Virginia Mason Medical Center reports that 99% of its staff members have been immunized against influenza, the highest rate Virginia Mason has achieved since implementing its patient safety policy in 2005.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all health-care personnel be vaccinated each year to protect themselves and to prevent transmission to their patients, many of whom are frail, elderly or have other conditions that put them at high risk for developing life-threatening, flu-related illnesses, such as pneumonia.

Nevertheless, according to the CDC, less than half (41.8%) of U.S. health-care workers receive the vaccine.

Virginia Mason also announced that beginning on February 23rd Virginia Mason Kirkland will be opening in its new location on the third floor of the Evergreen Plaza Building, located at 11800 NE 128th Street in Kirkland.

Virginia Mason has also opened a new Breast Clinic in its downtown campus that offers appointments with 24 hours of a patient’s first call.

Visits include a complete history, clinical breast exam and, if appropriate, imaging, such as mammography, on the same day.

Patients can follow up with their own physicians or continue with the Breast Clinic for care.

To learn more:

• Visit the CDC’s “Flu Prevention” information page.
• Visit the Virginia Mason Kirkland Clinic web page.
• Visit the Virginia Mason Breast Clinic web page.

Tags: Breast Cancer, Influenza, Kirkland, Mammography, Prevention, Vaccines, Virginia Mason

Category: Breast Cancer, Hospital News, Influenza, Virginia Mason