AnMed Health flu shot policy upheld

ANDERSON, SC –  December 10, 2010 – An Anderson County judge has upheld a policy that requires workers to get a flu vaccine.

In a hearing Thursday afternoon, Judge Cordell Maddox Jr. dismissed an employee’s request for an injunction. After considering several arguments, he ruled that by not getting a flu shot health care workers place their fellow employees, patients and visitors at risk of catching the flu.

“We’re pleased with the court’s decision,” said John Miller, AnMed Health CEO. “We believe this policy an important step in fulfilling our mission to optimize the health of our patients, staff and community. Studies have shown that because of the nature of their jobs health care workers are at a higher risk of catching the flu. Getting a flu shot is the best protection we have against catching
the flu and spreading it to those we love.”

Each year, seasonal flu causes more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 41,000 deaths. It is the country’s 7th leading cause of death, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Vaccination is the best protection against catching the flu and is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. In studies, when there’s a close match between the vaccine and the circulating viruses, the vaccine has been shown to prevent influenza in 70 to 90 percent of healthy people younger than 65.

As of this morning, 99 percent of AnMed Health’s 3,400 employees have received a seasonal flu vaccine. The policy, which was announced in September, requires workers to get the vaccine by Dec. 15. Workers may request an exemption based on CDC guidelines. Current exemptions include those with severe egg allergies, a past severe reaction to the flu vaccine or a history of Gillian-Barrè syndrome.

Workers who are granted an exemption will be required to take extra precautions during flu season. Those with direct patient contact will have to wear a surgical mask while on duty. Those who do not have direct patient contact will have to wear a surgical mask when in close contact with another individual.

“We will to continue to follow the policy, encouraging our staff to acknowledge this important health concern by getting the flu vaccine and offering education as needed,” Miller said. “We are very proud of our staff and the commitment that is being made to patient, employee and community safety.”