On
August 12, 2014, Calaveras County Public Health Services released an order from
Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer, mandating all licensed
health care facilities in Calaveras County require their healthcare workers
(HCW’s) to receive an annual influenza vaccination, or if they decline, to wear
a surgical mask during every influenza season.
Healthcare workers are all of the doctors, nurses, technicians and other
support staff working in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and other licensed
care facilities.
For
those HCW’s who decline to get a seasonal influenza vaccination, they will be required
to wear a surgical mask while working in patient care areas for the entire influenza
season (defined as November 1st through March 31st of the
following year).
“Healthcare
workers are both at risk for influenza and can transmit the virus to their
patients,” said Dr. Kelaita. “Influenza
vaccination of HCW’s has been shown to prevent transmission to our patients and
save lives,” Kelaita continued.
The
influenza shot requirement will not apply to those who work in assisted living
facilities or provide in-home care.
Those who provide mental health counseling and substance abuse services
will also not be mandated to get an influenza vaccination.
“Numerous
studies have shown that requiring HCW’s to be vaccinated for influenza
increases the rates of vaccination of the healthcare work force to over 90%,”
said Kelaita. “A protected work force
protects vulnerable patients we are dedicated to serve,” added Kelaita.
Please
contact Public Health Services at 754-6460 with any questions, or visit our
website at:
