The Joint Commission, a nonprofit that certifies and accredits healthcare organizations and programs, issued a mandate in July requiring accredited organizations to establish annual influenza vaccination programs.
These programs must urge staff members and licensed independent practitioners to get flu shots, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Unions, workers and healthcare organizations have debated whether flu shots should be required for years, with many individuals historically expressing reluctance despite the fact that their work brings them into regular contact with patients.
Some research suggests that encouraging flu vaccinations and similar measures can substantially improve employee health, and a number of businesses have programs that do just that. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found, in one survey, that requiring the vaccination significantly improved the number of healthcare workers who received it, indicating such a mandate may be beneficial. Organizations could enjoy having fewer absences due to illness during flu season.
Since 2009, some states have enacted laws requiring vaccinations to be carried out. While healthcare organizations may wish to ensure HR compliance with the mandate that they encourage flu vaccinations, they should be aware of the need for some exceptions. People may have medical or religious reasons to refuse the shot.
