[MCOH-EH] Flu Masking response

[Shea, Joann]

JoAnn Shea, ARNP, MS, COHN-S
Director, Employee Health & Wellness      "Caring for our Caregivers"
Work: 813-844-7692    Cell:  813-789-3441    FAX;  813-844-8144    Email:  jshea at tgh.org


*         Organization Name	Tampa General Hospital

*         Does your organization have a mandatory flu vaccination program?  No

*         Does your organization allow employees to submit medical and/or religious exemptions to the flu vaccine?   Not necessary as anyone who declines must wear a mask between Dec 1 and March 31

*         Who in your organization is responsible for reviewing religious exemptions, i.e.   N/A

*         Do you require exempted employees to wear masks while working?  Yes..

o   If yes, when are they required to start masking? See above

o   If yes, do you differentiate masking requirements for patient care versus non-patient care areas? no

o   If yes, how does your organization ensure that exempted employees are actually wearing the masks?    Co-workers report non compliance.  Managers responsible for enforcing

o   If yes, are there any times that exempted employees are permitted to not wear masks while working? Yes....while eating, presenting or if in private office.

o   If yes, do you have any lessons learned that have made your masking requirement efforts successful?    96% vaccination rate after masking requirement with less than 50% prior to masking requirement.     EHS nurse sends warning letter for non-compliance.  2nd non-compliance referred to HR for discipline (written warning).  We also offer two alternative masks for those who have sensitivity to the ear loop mask.



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