“Mandatory” Influenza Immunization (FluImm) of Healthcare Workers (HCW) at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)

Abstract

ISSUE: Efforts to improve levels of immunization of HCWs have been widely published. Proposals have included mandatory FluImm for all hospital workers. The rationale for FluImm includes reducing employee absenteeism, benefits to the employee, and reducing nosocomial transmission thereby benefiting hospitalized patients who may suffer significant consequences of Flu-related infection including death. Both the Joint Commission and the state of California (SB 739 – Mandatory Reporting) incorporated FluImm efforts as an additional measure of improving patient safety. Mandatory FluImm may be tempered by allowing for declination while strongly encouraging HCW participation. It is already a condition of employment at our facility to have a current PPD and proof of immunity to MMR, Varicella and Hepatitis B. If not immune, associate (employee) health provides immunizations.