Protecting our community through mandatory influenza vaccination
by Thomas E. Beeman, PhD, FACHE
President & CEO
Lancaster General Health |
Lancaster General Health is committed to the safety of our patients, employees and community. To further enhance our safety practices, we have joined more than 50 other hospitals and health systems across Pennsylvania in pledging to establish a mandatory influenza (flu) vaccination program for all healthcare personnel beginning with the 2012/13 flu season. The effort is part of a statewide influenza vaccination campaign led by Pennsylvania's Patient Safety Authority, Department of Health and Hospital Association.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza causes an estimated 226,000 hospital admissions and 36,000 deaths each year. Despite CDC recommendations and well-documented evidence on the importance and benefits of influenza immunization for healthcare workers, vaccination rates remain just above 70 percent at LG Health. Research has found the only way to improve compliance, and meet CDC safety recommendations, is to mandate immunization.
LG Health is proud to participate in this statewide effort which reinforces our dedication to keeping our community safe. |
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