Minority of U.S. Hospitals Mandate Flu Vaccination

Abstract

it, while another 22% said vaccination Dr. Greene and colleagues noted that flu shots in 2014–2015 and that those was “strongly recommended” or otherwhile the VA does not have a national settings with vaccination requirements wise promoted, and 21% said face masks vaccination requirement, individual saw 96% of personnel covered. and signed declination forms were manhospitals are free to determine their Dr. Greene and colleagues’ study was datory for nonvaccinated personnel. own policies. The Veterans Hospital funded by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Union concerns were cited by 8% as a Administration estimates vaccine uptake Michigan Foundation, the Department of reason vaccination was not required. In among workers at its hospitals to be Veterans Affairs, and the National Center the VA system, meanwhile, 57% of hosonly 55% in recent flu seasons, while a for Patient Safety. None of its authors pitals without mandatory vaccination recent study by the Centers for Disease disclosed conflicts of interest. CfA cited federal agency status as a reason, Control and Prevention found that overand more than a quarter cited union all about 77% of U.S. health care workJennie Smith is a Frontline Medical News issues. ers in diverse clinical settings received freelance writer based in San Antonio, TX. Minority of U.S. Hospitals Mandate Flu Vaccination