Influenza Flu Policy
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
INFLUENZA “FLU POLICY”
OPEN ARMS HEALTHCARE LLC shall encourage and facilitate the availability of flu shots for its staff and clients
1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to minimize transmission of the influenza virus in the workplace by providing occupational protection to employees and thus preventing transmission to members of the community, which we serve.
Annual influenza vaccination has been found to be both safe and effective in reducing the risk of influenza and health-care related transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccination of all workers in health care settings. Research, however, has shown that vaccination programs restricted to those who actively seek the vaccine have limited penetration and, thus, effectiveness in protecting patients and employees. This policy is intended to maximize the protection offered to our employees and clients.
2.0 POLICY
All employees of the (name of workplace) shall be provided the influenza vaccine during the annual influenza vaccination campaign. Employees will be required to obtain vaccination by December 1 of each calendar year or sign a declination. Vaccine will be offered free of charge at various times and locations. Records will be maintained documenting vaccinations and declinations. If vaccine shortages occur or if CDC recommendations are altered, the (Health Officer, CEO, or head of agency/facility) may suspend or revoke all or part of this policy.
Whether shortages occur at the national level or agency/facility level, the vaccination campaign will depend on vaccine availability.
Policy
3.0 DEFINITIONS
3.1 Employee—any person that receives financial compensation for work performed whether merit, contractual, or consultants. Although consultants are not considered employees by definition, for the purpose of this policy, consultants will be included in this category.
3.2 Influenza (flu)—a mild to severe contagious illness caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract.
3.3 Influenza vaccine—a preparation of influenza antigens (live or killed virus), which stimulate the production of specific antibodies when introduced to the body. These antibodies provide protection against influenza virus infection. • TIV—also known as the Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine, is made with killed virus and is administered through the muscle. • LAIV—also known at the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine, is made with live, weakened viruses that do not cause the flu and is administered through a nasal spray.
3.4 Annual influenza vaccination campaign—Each year during the months when maximum benefit is provided by influenza vaccination the facility will conduct a major vaccination campaign for employees based on CDC requirements
4.0 PROCEDURES
4.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
4.1.1 All employees will be required to obtain the influenza vaccine or sign the declination on the Influenza Vaccination Employee Statement each year.
4.2 IMPLEMENTATION
4.2.1 The Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) or the Trivalent Inactivated Influenza (TIV) will be administered to employees based on vaccine availability and published CDC guidelines by authorized medical providers
4.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
4.3.1 Employees shall be responsible for:
1) Familiarizing themselves with this Administrative Policy and Procedure and signing and returning the Acknowledgement of Receipt form to the Office of Human Resources
2) Annually, completing and signing the Influenza Vaccination Employee Statement, whether consenting to or declining vaccination by the established deadline.
3) Taking one of the above actions by December 1or, if hired during the annual influenza vaccination campaign.
4) Annually, submitting the signed form to (office designated to receiving consents statements) (if consenting) or to (if declining) by the established deadline.
4.3.2 Supervisors shall be responsible for:
1) Allowing employees time to attend a vaccination clinic.
2) Assuring that employees comply with this Administrative Policy and Procedure.
4.3.3 Office of Human Resources shall be responsible for:
1) Providing copies of this Administrative Policy and Procedure to employees and maintaining copies of the Acknowledgement of Receipt form in employees’ personnel files.
2) Providing each employee annually with a reminder of this policy and a copy of the Influenza Vaccination Employee Statement for that year’s influenza vaccine campaign.
