Virginia Mason to require all staff to be vaccinated against H1N1

Virginia Mason Medical Center will require all its staff, including physicians, nurses, other clinicians and even staff who are not in direct contact with patients, to receive the vaccine against the new H1N1 “swine” flu as part of “fitness-for-duty” requirement, Virginia Mason announced today. Virginia Mason already requires its staff to be vaccinated against seasonal flu, but the new rule extends that requirement to the new H1N1 “swine” flu, which was first detected this spring, too late to be covered by this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. Virginia Mason was the first hospital in the country to require its staff to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza, a policy it adopted in 2004. Health officials recommend flu vaccination for healthcare workers so that they will be well enough able to work during flu season and so they will not spread the virus to patients, many of whom may be elderly or have other risks for serious complications. A small number of exceptions to the Virginia Mason rule is allowed for medical and religious reasons, but those who are not vaccinated must follow strict infection control practices, which include wearing a face mask at all times while at work during flu season, hospital officials said. Overall, the medical center achieves a 99 percent vaccination rate among its staff, Virginia Mason officials said. To learn more:

• Visit the Virginia Mason flu information Web page.
• Visit Public Health – Seattle & King County’s H1N1 information page.

VirginiaMason.org/flu.

Tags: H1N1, Influenza, Swine Flu, Virginia Mason

Category: Influenza, Provider News