[MCOH-EH] Should pregnant health care workers be restricted from caring for patients with active Shingles?

[Swift, Melanie]

Hi Craig,
I'm assuming you have a policy to confirm varicella immunity or vaccination at hire.
If a worker has immunity then they should not be restricted, regardless of pregnancy status.
If a worker lacks immunity and can't be vaccinated, then they should be restricted from caring for patients on airborne precautions for disseminated zoster or primary chickenpox, and from direct contact with vesicles.


Melanie Swift, MD
Director, Vanderbilt Occupational Health Clinic
http://occupationalhealth.vanderbilt.edu

From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Craig Thorne
Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2016 9:18 AM
To: mcoh-eh at mylist.net
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Should pregnant health care workers be restricted from caring for patients with active Shingles?

Everyone, a question came up today from one of our nursing homes that I could use your help with, if you have a reference:

Should pregnant health care workers be restricted from caring for patients with active Shingles?

Thank you.

Craig Thorne

Craig D. Thorne, M.D., MPH, MBA
Vice President and Medical Director
Employee Health and Wellness
Erickson Living
813 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD. 21228-3679
443-257-0903 cell (preferred)
410-402-2224
410-469-3007 fax

http://www.ericksonliving.com



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