HYANNIS – Cape Cod Healthcare has implemented a new policy requiring flu vaccinations for all workers.
Beginning December 1, all physicians, employees, students, volunteers and vendors will be required to be immunized against influenza.
The new policy is not a mandate, and anyone who declines to be immunized will be required to wear a surgical mask while within patient care areas at their facilities.
“We believe it’s an important public health responsibility for all those who provide care and services to patients within our facilities to be vaccinated against the flu,” said Michael Lauf, President and CEO of Cape Cod Healthcare.
“This new policy will help insure that patients and visitors are protected from transmission of the flu while they are in one of our facilities,” said Lauf.
Free vaccinations will be provided by the company to all personnel required to be immunized beginning October 1 and all vaccinated members will display a sticker on their ID badge.
Cape Cod Healthcare also advises anyone else entering one of its facilities during flu season to be vaccinated against the flu.
Influenza kills an average of 36,000 people and hospitalizes more than 200,000 people in the U.S. every year.
Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and anyone with chronic health conditions are at the most risk from influenza.
