[MCOH-EH] Mandatory Flu Vaccinations

[Higazi, Patricia]

Patricia Higazi RN COHN
Occupational Health Director
Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters
601 Children’s lane, Norfolk, Virginia 23507
Tel: 757 668 7852
Fax: 757 668 8775
Cell: 757 376 3231

From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Gillespie, Kymberly Sue
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 14:14
To: MCOH/EH
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

·         If yes, what was/is the reasoning/justification for doing so? Children disproportionally suffer poorer outcomes if they contract flu and we have an obligation to protect those in our care and set a good example.
·         When/How long have you had a mandatory requirement? Since 2009
·         How do you handle employees who refuse the vaccination without proper medical validation to not receive?  Medical exemption process – must apply for exemption with physician note to list why (allergy, GB etc) – Medical exemptions are reviewed by our medical director and if they fall within CDC guidelines they are approved.  If not the employee is informed, allergy testing is offered also (and paid for by us).  If the employee refuses at this point they have a 3 days suspension after the deadline – if they are still not vaccinated after that point they are separated.  Religious exemptions are reviewed by HR and if valid are accepted.  For those with accepted exemptions we issue and ID badge overlay, they are not required to mask but do have to attend an infection control education session regarding not working with resp. symptoms, hand hygiene etc.
·         What pushback/challenges have you received and how did you handle them?  Some religious beliefs, some do not want preservatives, porcine gel, etc.  Others feel vaccine is not effective enough to warrant a mandatory policy. Then we have a whole other group that are deathly afraid of needles ☺. We try education, and have available all types of vaccine including live intra nasal, intradermal, and IM injectable (latex and preservative free)


Thank You.

Sincerely,
Kymberly Gillespie
Manager, Employee Health, Benefits/Faculty Relations, Employee/Labor Relations
WVU Healthcare
West Virginia University Hospitals/University Health Associates
PO Box 8121
Morgantown, WV 26506
(304) 598-4075
(304) 598-4160

Visit is at www.wvuh.com<http://www.wvuh.com/> to apply online.

Ask me why WVUH is an employer of choice:
ANCC Magnet Recognition
AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009-2010, 2011 and 2013
National Excellence in Worksite Wellness Award, Platinum Level
Business on Board with Childcare! Navigator Award, 2010, 2011


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