Hi all -

For us, post exposure medications for workplace events, if clinically indicated, are covered by us unless the HCW prefers to see their own provider. In general, we provide prophylaxis for clinically significant pertussis exposures regardless of vaccine status, whereas the decision for influenza antivirals can be more dependent on circumstances (vaccine match with circulating strains, medical risk factors in exposed staff, extent of exposure, etc). Symptomatic staff are tested, furloughed and treated under WC if clinically appropriate.

Amy J Behrman, MD
Medical Director, Occupational Medicine
Department of Emergency Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Health System
3400 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA 19104

----- Original Message -----
From: Bindu Kumar, MD <KumarB@MLHS.ORG>
To: mcoh-eh@mylist.net
Sent: Fri, 20 Jan 2017 10:06:41 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] exposures

List,

Can I ask how your health systems handle employee exposures to influenza, pertussis etc.? Are the post-exposure prophylaxis medications covered under workers’ comp or by the employees’ personal insurance? What about when an employee becomes symptomatic as a result of such exposure? Thank you in advance for your input.

Bindu Kumar MD

Associate Medical Director

Occupational and Travel Health

Main Line Health

484-476-2881