Flu shot ‘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 care for patients.
As the COVID-19 pandemic extends into flu season, USA Health reminds all employees and their families to get the annual/seasonal influenza vaccine, whether at the workplace, a pharmacy or a primary care provider.
“Getting the influenza vaccine this year is more important than ever,” said Benjamin Estrada, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at USA Health. “By achieving a high level of immunization against influenza among healthcare workers and their families, the risk of influenza transmission to others and the burden on the healthcare system decrease.”
USA Health requires all personnel to have the flu vaccine or possess an approved exception as a condition of employment or access to care for patients.
Estrada said that because flu symptoms can be similar to those of COVID-19, getting vaccinated for the flu decreases the risk of developing symptoms that can trigger COVID-19 evaluations. Also, a co-infection of both diseases could increase the risk of a more severe clinical presentation, he said.
USA Health facilities will schedule vaccination clinics for employees as soon as this year’s vaccines arrive. Employees who decide to get their flu shots outside USA Health need to submit documentation to their supervisors and respective employee health managers.
