Should Influenza Vaccines Be Mandatory for Health Care Workers?About this Paper:New York State imposed a new regulation in August 2009 requiring all personnel working in health care facilities to be vaccinated against both seasonal and H1N1 influenza viruses. Many health care workers opposed the measure and three separate lawsuits were filed to challenge it. In late October, New York Governor David Paterson suspended the regulation, citing shortages of H1N1 vaccine. But the issue is likely to surface again, either in New York or in other jurisdictions around the country. Compulsory vaccination of health care workers involves two cherished interests that can be difficult to reconcile - protecting patient health and safeguarding the rights of individuals to make their own medical choices. This paper reviews the risks of influenza in health care settings, the availability of safe and effective vaccines to reduce that risk, and the inadequate health care worker compliance with immunization recommendations. Based on the obvious need to get more workers vaccinated, it then reviews the arguments for and against mandates. For more information influenza vaccine mandates, contact:Alexandra Stewart, JD About the Rapid Health Policy Response ProjectThe Rapid Health Policy Response Project of the School of Public Health and Health Services at The George Washington University presents data and other background information on breaking public health stories. The goal is to educate the public, policymakers, legislators, health care providers, the media and others in order to promote informed decision making. |
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