YNHHS prepares for second year of mandatory flu vaccination

Last year, for the first time, YNHHS’ flu vaccination program was mandatory – and highly successful. Almost 99 percent of employees received the vaccination, with the remainder receiving approved medical or religious exemptions or choosing voluntary termination (such as retirement).

Once again, for the protection of patients and employees, flu vaccination will be mandatory. Employees and physicians must receive a flu vaccination, or have an approved medical or religious exemption, as a condition of continued employment. The three L+M Healthcare organizations, which are new to YNHHS, will follow their prior practices.

The deadline to be vaccinated is Dec. 1, 2017. Employees with a medical or religious reason that prevents them from receiving the flu vaccination must request the appropriate exemption by Sept. 30. Exemption requests will be approved or denied by Oct. 31. Information about applying for medical or religious exemptions will be available on Employee Self Service beginning Sept. 1.

YNHH employees may be vaccinated at hospital-based flu clinics on both campuses, beginning in mid-October. Employees may also get vaccinated at their primary care physician’s office or at a participating CVS Caremark vaccination network pharmacy. Information about all vaccination options, including how to submit documentation of vaccination by a PCP or participating pharmacy, will be on the ESS dashboard in the coming weeks.

“Our mandatory vaccination program supports our commitment to employee and patient health and safety,” said Kevin Myatt, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “Being vaccinated against influenza is the most important thing we can do help keep ourselves and our patients, colleagues and family from getting the flu.”