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Flu expert argues for mandatory vaccination of healthcare workers

OSHA Healthcare Connection, October 30, 2007

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Gregory Poland, MD, director, Vaccine Research Group, Mayo Clinic, made "a strong and spirited" case for requiring annual influenza vaccination of healthcare workers, reports the October 22 online Immunization Action Coalition Express.

Speaking at "Got Your Shots?", an immunization conference sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Health, October 11-12, Poland presented seven compelling reasons why healthcare personnel should be vaccinated against influenza:

1. Influenza infection is a serious illness causing significant morbidity and mortality, adversely affecting the public health on an annual basis.
2. Influenza-infected healthcare personnel can transmit this deadly virus to vulnerable patients.
3. Influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel saves money for employees and employers and prevents workplace disruption.
4. Influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel is already recommended by the CDC and is the standard of care.
5. Immunization requirements are effective and work in increasing vaccination rates.
6. Healthcare personnel and healthcare systems have an ethical and moral duty to protect vulnerable patients from transmissible diseases.
7. The healthcare system will either lead or be lambasted.

"I know of no program with large, sustained increases in healthcare worker immunization rates other than mandatory programs," he told the Gannett News Service following the conference.

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