[MCOH-EH] [External] Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Re: Flu Vaccine Status Indicators

[Behrman, Amy]

Our institution moved away from a masking requirement to an Influenza Vaccination policy that requires exempted staff who work in particularly vulnerable patient areas (examples could include the intensive care nursery or stem cell transplant) to accept temporary reassignment to lower risk units at the discretion of Infection Control during severe influenza situations.  There are no administrative penalties attached. This has been well received by staff as one component of risk reduction and patient safety.

Amy


Amy J Behrman, MD, FACOEM, FACP

Medical Director, Occupational Medicine

Perelman School of Medicine

University of Pennsylvania

3400 Spruce Street<x-apple-data-detectors://5>

Philadelphia, PA  19104<x-apple-data-detectors://5>

On Oct 11, 2019, at 8:51 PM, Swift, Melanie D., M.D., M.P.H. via MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>> wrote:

Exactly. They are right. It’s one way to get more HCP to take vaccine. Some will see it as punitive or coercive. There are much better ways to spend time and energy.

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 11, 2019, at 8:14 PM, Leslie Thompson via MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>> wrote:


Here is an excerpt from the SD County vaccine or masking Public Health order re-issued Nov 2018.



•                      At this time, there is insufficient evidence on whether masking asymptomatic personnel reduces flu transmission, but anecdotal reports suggest that requiring masking for unvaccinated staff can increase compliance with mandatory vaccination policies. This was reported by researchers in Germany, where flu vaccination rates for HCP increased from 33% to 52% in the 10 days following implementation of a masking requirement for unvaccinated personnel.31 In the U.S., an author of a five-year study at University of California Irvine Medical Center suggested that the masking requirement included in their mandatory vaccination program may have “provided sufficient disincentive to encourage healthcare providers to prioritize vaccination.”

http://www.sdiz.org/documents/HCP/SDIB-Bulletins/Health-Officer-Order-Mandatory-Vaccination-or-Masking-FINAL.PDF for the full document.

From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces+leslie.thompson=sharp.com at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces+leslie.thompson=sharp.com at mylist.net>> On Behalf Of PRATER, DEANNA
Sent: Wednesday, October 9, 2019 13:41 PM
To: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] [EXTERNAL] Re: Flu Vaccine Status Indicators

[EXTERNAL SENDER]
The vaccinate or mask policy is purely for Infection Control.

From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net>> On Behalf Of Swift, Melanie D., M.D., M.P.H. via MCOH-EH
Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2019 13:35
To: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>>
Cc: Swift, Melanie D., M.D., M.P.H. <Swift.Melanie at mayo.edu<mailto:Swift.Melanie at mayo.edu>>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] [EXTERNAL] Re: Flu Vaccine Status Indicators

CAUTION: This email originated outside of Bay Area Hospital. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I think an indication of policy compliance should be adequate for occupational purposes, and need not indicate vaccination status. While it may not technically be a HIPAA violation, it is private information (medical/religious exemption, vaccination, declination, whatever meets compliance criteria) and really shouldn’t be necessary to share with patients and coworkers. Masks may be worn for a variety of reasons (e.g. afebrile respiratory symptoms, even a cold sore) and the use of a mask needn’t indicate vaccination status. That said, I do think that blanket “vaccinate or mask” policies are more about coercion than infection control. Probably legal, doesn’t make it a good idea.
Also just my 2 cents.
Melanie Swift, MD, M.P.H.
Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 9, 2019, at 3:16 PM, Cockrum, MD David S <dcockrum at frhs.org<mailto:dcockrum at frhs.org>> wrote:

I’m not a lawyer, and I haven’t stayed at a Holiday Inn Express recently, but…I tend to agree with Cathy’s legal interpretation. The badge sticker is related to activities required for employment, which is essentially outside the sphere of HIPAA. If HIPAA were applied in its purest form, we couldn’t ask non-immunized employees to wear masks since this would also be an indicator of a personal medical choice.  Additionally flu shots are a vital part of the Infection Control program, which is a standard related to protecting public health – again, beyond the scope of HIPAA.

Just my two devalued cents…

David

DAVID​
COCKRUM
,
MD
Physician
Faith Regional Physician Services
Occupational Health
<image730980.png>
(402) 844 8300<tel:(402)%20844%208300>
<image350334.png>
2024 Pasewalk Avenue, Suite 2
,
Norfolk
,
NE

68701
[http://frhs.org/assets/images/logos/FRHScrosslogo_CMYKpng.png]<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.frhs.org_&d=DwMGaQ&c=bvhoC4tmqmsyJXm4a1uTSQ&r=dh4lx_Bu4fUHjHvNwomwLA4mKH7-GAkgHAJDMk7fSTg&m=ZT1GXP8UjAALN-PoMFO2srHjwcw-5iZibcmouVn_8-Q&s=FWalzdfjAcvy919l6NFeemAO72pZY8EoqmPHZFCfeJQ&e=>
[http://frhs.org/assets/images/logos/FRPS-services-logo-color_CMYK.png]<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.frpsclinics.org_&d=DwMGaQ&c=bvhoC4tmqmsyJXm4a1uTSQ&r=dh4lx_Bu4fUHjHvNwomwLA4mKH7-GAkgHAJDMk7fSTg&m=ZT1GXP8UjAALN-PoMFO2srHjwcw-5iZibcmouVn_8-Q&s=RoT_h6ctGmLGkkaLUZKw6yZzj45BajBQSMTOXiHeACg&e=>
[http://frhs.org/assets/images/logos/stjoelogo_clr-SMALL.png]<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__frhs.org_about-2Dus_locations-2Dand-2Ddirections_affiliate-2Dpartners_st.-2Djosephs-2Drehabilitation-2Dcare-2Dcenter&d=DwMGaQ&c=bvhoC4tmqmsyJXm4a1uTSQ&r=dh4lx_Bu4fUHjHvNwomwLA4mKH7-GAkgHAJDMk7fSTg&m=ZT1GXP8UjAALN-PoMFO2srHjwcw-5iZibcmouVn_8-Q&s=YJXQdgwOkhGxM6KKrNpJIEfxUFMSs_pb9LsxQkg0xr0&e=>
Click on the logos to learn more about our services.
This message and any attachments are confidential, may contain privileged or legally protected communications or information, and are intended solely for the recipient named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any review, distribution, dissemination or copying of this message or any attachment is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, you should immediately notify the sender by a return e-mail and delete the message from your computer system.
From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Reichen, Catherine
Sent: Wednesday, October 9, 2019 3:02 PM
To: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Flu Vaccine Status Indicators


This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. If you suspect the content of this email is malicious, please forward the email to abuse at frhs.org<mailto:abuse at frhs.org> .


Deb,

That is interesting.  Our HR employee rights lawyer told us that this is not a HIPPA violation.  We use different colored stickers with the year on them to indicate vaccination and declination (without  the wording of “I got my flu shot” on them).  Our policy states that they have to have a sticker by Dec 1 and they must be placed on the front of the badge for identification of compliance.

Cathy

From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net] On Behalf Of da.sampson via MCOH-EH
Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2019 3:53 PM
To: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>>
Cc: da.sampson <da.sampson at yahoo.com<mailto:da.sampson at yahoo.com>>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Flu Vaccine Status Indicators

Hello Anne
Several years ago legal counsel at another medical center in NH indicated that placing a sticker on an ID badge for flu vaccination was not a great idea since this is a public acknowledgment of individual medical information and could be challenged as a HIPAA violation regardless of facility policies.
Just a thought.

Deb Sampson



Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

-------- Original message --------
From: Anne Mills <amills at crhc.org<mailto:amills at crhc.org>>
Date: 10/9/19 4:23 PM (GMT-04:00)
To: mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Flu Vaccine Status Indicators

Hello,

We recently transitioned to a influenza vaccine policy that requires masking for non-vaccinated health care personnel.  We use badge stickers as status indicators.  I am curious how others have made this work.  We are a regional medical center with multiple, off-site primary care and specialty practices.  We have many non-employed credentialed providers who participate in this program.

Flu vaccine is provided in Employee Health Services and department-based, "Flu Vaccine Ambassadors".  However, there are so many others that vaccinate elsewhere, or are in departments without an Ambassador.

We have not been able to identify an efficient means to deploy stickers. Your experiences are welcomed.

Anne




Anne C. Mills, MSN, RN, COHN-S
Concord Hospital
Director Employee Health Services
| • (603) 230-1962| 7 (603) 227-7126
|  amills at crhc.org<mailto:amills at crhc.org>

----------------------------------------- CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail communication and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information for the use of the designated recipients named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution, copying or reliance upon the contents of this email and attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error or are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by replying to this email and destroy all copies of this communication and any attachments. To contact Glens Falls Hospital, or for a copy of our privacy practices, please visit us on the Internet at www.glensfallshospital.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.glensfallshospital.org&d=DwMGaQ&c=bvhoC4tmqmsyJXm4a1uTSQ&r=dh4lx_Bu4fUHjHvNwomwLA4mKH7-GAkgHAJDMk7fSTg&m=ZT1GXP8UjAALN-PoMFO2srHjwcw-5iZibcmouVn_8-Q&s=SSAR3d8-8nTcIcI1HVolERBrYznDWpivIETY0MMqvuQ&e=>.
---------------------------------------
The MCOH-EH List has always been moderated by members of the ACOEM Medical Center Occupational Health Section. It is currently moderated by Joe Fanucchi MD FACOEM.
List membership is free, but only subscribers may post to the list.
To post send messages to: mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>
To become a subscriber, or to change your subscription options (turn off email while you're on vacation, etc):   http://www.mcoh-eh.net<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.mcoh-2Deh.net&d=DwMGaQ&c=bvhoC4tmqmsyJXm4a1uTSQ&r=dh4lx_Bu4fUHjHvNwomwLA4mKH7-GAkgHAJDMk7fSTg&m=ZT1GXP8UjAALN-PoMFO2srHjwcw-5iZibcmouVn_8-Q&s=hlJ9e4oSLR_xWzGwFGhQL_oJJzdJovRyw_Z2U3H9qws&e=>
MediTrax / Occupational Health Systems, Inc. provides financial support to ensure the list remains a free resource for the occupational health community.
---------------------------------------
List archives (public): http://mylist.net/archives/mcoh-eh/<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__mylist.net_archives_mcoh-2Deh_&d=DwMGaQ&c=bvhoC4tmqmsyJXm4a1uTSQ&r=dh4lx_Bu4fUHjHvNwomwLA4mKH7-GAkgHAJDMk7fSTg&m=ZT1GXP8UjAALN-PoMFO2srHjwcw-5iZibcmouVn_8-Q&s=D5YZq2KNiRUA7iPr_5FSBaFVk8vZ_fQhAlXdklhrmI4&e=>
---------------------------------------
Send administrative requests to: drjoe at meditrax.com<mailto:drjoe at meditrax.com>
---------------------------------------
When replying to a message, PLEASE delete all footers, and all messages to which you're NOT replying.

This message contains information that may be confidential.  This message and the information contained herein is intended solely for the use of the intended addressee(s).  If you are not an addressee or not an intended addressee, your disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this message is prohibited.  If this message has been sent to you in error, please notify the sender by return email or by telephone.  Thank you.

---------------------------------------
The MCOH-EH List has always been moderated by members of the ACOEM Medical Center Occupational Health Section. It is currently moderated by Joe Fanucchi MD FACOEM.
List membership is free, but only subscribers may post to the list.
To post send messages to: mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>
To become a subscriber, or to change your subscription options (turn off email while you're on vacation, etc):   http://www.mcoh-eh.net
MediTrax / Occupational Health Systems, Inc. provides financial support to ensure the list remains a free resource for the occupational health community.
---------------------------------------
List archives (public): http://mylist.net/archives/mcoh-eh/
---------------------------------------
Send administrative requests to: drjoe at meditrax.com<mailto:drjoe at meditrax.com>
---------------------------------------
When replying to a message, PLEASE delete all footers, and all messages to which you're NOT replying.
---------------------------------------
The MCOH-EH List has always been moderated by members of the ACOEM Medical Center Occupational Health Section. It is currently moderated by Joe Fanucchi MD FACOEM.
List membership is free, but only subscribers may post to the list.
To post send messages to: mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>
To become a subscriber, or to change your subscription options (turn off email while you're on vacation, etc):   http://www.mcoh-eh.net
MediTrax / Occupational Health Systems, Inc. provides financial support to ensure the list remains a free resource for the occupational health community.
---------------------------------------
List archives (public): http://mylist.net/archives/mcoh-eh/
---------------------------------------
Send administrative requests to: drjoe at meditrax.com<mailto:drjoe at meditrax.com>
---------------------------------------
When replying to a message, PLEASE delete all footers, and all messages to which you're NOT replying.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://mylist.net/archives/mcoh-eh/attachments/20191012/4e87f7c1/attachment-0001.htm>