Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. ADMINISTRATION OF INFLUENZA VACCINE EMPLOYEES IN HEALTH CARE SETTINGS PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to minimize transmission of the influenza virus in the workplace by providing occupational protection to employees and thus preventing transmission to members of the community, which we serve. Annual influenza vaccination has been found to be both safe and effective in reducing the risk of influenza and health-care related transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccination of all workers in health care settings. Research, however, has shown that vaccination programs restricted to those who actively seek the vaccine have limited penetration and, thus, effectiveness in protecting patients and employees. This policy is intended to maximize the protection offered to our employees and clients. Establish a goal of improving influenza vaccination rates among our staff to match CDC goal that by 2020 the 90% of healthcare workers are vaccinated for Influenza, within staff consent/willing. POLICY All employees of the Agency shall be provided the influenza vaccine during the annual influenza vaccination campaign. Employees will be required to obtain vaccination by December 1 of each calendar year or sign a declination form. Vaccine will be offered free of charge at various times and locations. Records will be maintained documenting vaccinations and declinations. If vaccine shortages occur or if CDC recommendations are altered, the (Administrator or DON, Clinical Manager) may suspend or revoke all or part of this policy. (Whether shortages occur at the national level or agency/facility level, the vaccination campaign will depend on vaccine availability) GOALS: Infection Control Plan includes the goal of improving Influenza Vaccination rates. (CDC goal is by 2020 90% of healthcare workers are vaccinated for Influenza). In base of this baseline we established incremental goals based in the CDC 2020 goal, we established initial goal for the first year of 30%, and will be incremented by 10% in the following years until we reach the 90% by 2020. DEFINITIONS Employee—any person (Direct or Contract) that receives financial compensation for work performed at our Agency, whether merit, contractual, or direct employee. Influenza (flu)—a mild to severe contagious illness caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. Influenza vaccine—a preparation of influenza antigens (live or killed virus), which stimulate the production of specific antibodies when introduced to the body. These antibodies provide protection against influenza virus infection. TIV—also known as the Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine, is made with killed virus and is administered through the muscle. LAIV—also known at the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine, is made with live, weakened viruses that do not cause the flu and is administered through a nasal spray. Annual influenza vaccination campaign—Each year during the months when maximum benefit is provided by influenza vaccination, the name of (vaccination campaign organization) conducts a major vaccination campaign including mass vaccination clinics and community outreach. PROCEDURES GENERAL REQUIREMENTS All employees will be required to obtain the influenza vaccine or sign the declination on the Influenza Vaccination Employee Statement each year. Home Health Agency. - - Personnel/Operations Policies B-159