N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Aldona Wos has directed leaders from the 14 state-operated health care facilities to implement a mandatory flu vaccination policy for its 10,000 employees ahead of this year's flu season. Employees and volunteers were informed this week of the new policy, which requires them to be vaccinated by Dec. 1.
"More than 52 hospitals and health systems in our state have already made the judicious decision to implement mandatory flu vaccination policies to protect against illness," says Wos. "Because many of the patients and residents in our state facilities are at high risk for complications from flu, this is a responsible decision that will create a safer environment for our patients and staff."
Flu vaccination clinics will be held on-site for the more than 16,000 DHHS employees and volunteers through the fall. Flu vaccination is provided to employees at no charge through the state employee health plan. Employees of state operated facilities may opt to be vaccinated by a provider of their choice, but will be required to provide proof of vaccination at their workplace.
The DHHS Division of State Operated Healthcare Facilities manages 14 facilities across the state that treat adults and children with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance-use disorders. — Info from NCDHHS
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.