USA Health hospitals set flu clinics for staff

USA Health hospital employees can get their mandatory flu vaccine at several scheduled clinics beginning this week.  The vaccine, described as “more important than ever” during the pandemic, protects recipients against two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains.

“Everyone should receive the influenza every year, but this recommendation is especially important for healthcare workers and their families,” said Benjamin Estrada, M.D., professor and vice chair of pediatrics and an infectious disease specialist at USA Health. “Getting the influenza vaccine this year is more important than ever.”

USA Health requires all personnel to have the flu vaccine or possess an approved exception as a condition of employment or access to patients. Employee health managers said the goal is to get all staff vaccinated by Nov. 1.

Estrada said achieving a high level of immunization against influenza decreases the risk of influenza transmission to others and reduces the burden on the healthcare system. “Being immunized also decreases the risk of developing symptoms than can trigger evaluations for COVID-19,” he said.

Vaccines are being administered this week at the following times and locations:

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Employee Health Office Room B95

Tuesday, Sept. 29

1-3 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 30

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

1-3 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 1

7:30-11:30 a.m.

1-3 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 2

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

CHILDREN’S & WOMEN’S HOSPITAL

Waiting room across from Labor and Delivery

Weekdays, Sept. 29 to Oct. 16

7-8:30 a.m.

1-3 p.m.

Doses of the flu vaccine also will be provided for staff at other USA Health locations such as HCA clinics, the Mitchell Cancer Institute and the USA Health Office Park. For information about these times and dates, employees should contact their supervisors.