US Pharm. 2016;41(1):18.
Ann Arbor, MI—Despite national recommendations that healthcare workers receive the flu vaccine to prevent them from passing the virus to their patients, >50% of hospitals do not require it. University of Michigan and Veterans Affairs (VA) Ann Arbor Healthcare System researchers surveyed infection preventionists at 386 hospitals regarding their hospital’s flu-vaccination policies and found that vaccination of providers was required in only 43% of hospitals. In some hospitals, union or staff opposition prevented adoption of a vaccination requirement; administrators’ lack of willingness was another factor. In 22% of non-VA hospitals, providers were strongly encouraged to get flu shots, and in >50% of VA hospitals, vaccination could not be mandated since they were part of a federal system.
To comment on this article, contact rdavidson@uspharmacist.com.
