[MCOH-EH] Mandatory Flu Vaccinations

[Amy Behrman]

Responses below - Amy


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: Kymberly Sue Gillespie <gillespiek at wvuhealthcare.com>
To: MCOH/EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net>
Sent: Tue, 13 May 2014 14:14:07 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Mandatory Flu Vaccinations

Good afternoon, WVUH is revisiting the topic of mandatory flu vaccinations.  Currently, we do not have a mandatory requirement, but are considering doing so.  Therefore, we
 are hoping to gather any information that may be helpful. Does your organization require mandatory Flu Vaccinations?  Yes
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If yes, what was/is the reasoning/justification for doing so? The health system and individual healthcare providers have an obligation to reduce the risk of infection for themselves, their patients, and their colleagues.  Influenza vaccination is an important component of risk reduction along with hand hygiene, cough etiquette, PPE, furloughs/sick time for employees, and outreach/education for visitors and patients. 
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When/How long have you had a mandatory requirement? Since 2009
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How do you handle employees who refuse the vaccination without proper medical validation to not receive? Stepwise administrative penalties beginning with written warnings and progressing to the risk of termination. So far we have had no terminations. 
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What pushback/challenges have you received and how did you handle them?  Most of the pushback came during the first year and IMO was paradoxically blunted by anxiety about insufficient supply of the H1N1 vaccine in 2009-10. The level of anxiety has declined signifcantly, but there are certainly staff who continue to dislike the mandatory policy.  I
 , the Infection Control Directors, the CMO and HR are available to meet
 individually or in small groups with anyone who wants to discuss their 
concerns about the vaccine or the policy.  Thank You. Sincerely,Kymberly GillespieManager, Employee Health, Benefits/Faculty Relations, Employee/Labor RelationsWVU HealthcareWest Virginia University Hospitals/University Health AssociatesPO Box 8121Morgantown, WV 26506(304) 598-4075(304) 598-4160 Visit is at
www.wvuh.com to apply online. Ask me why WVUH is an employer of choice:ANCC Magnet RecognitionAARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009-2010, 2011 and 2013National Excellence in Worksite Wellness Award, Platinum LevelBusiness on Board with Childcare! Navigator Award, 2010, 2011  
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