STPH Voluntarily Enacts Flu Shot Policy
STPH VOLUNTARILY IMPLEMENTS MANDATORY FLU SHOT POLICY
COVINGTON - St. Tammany Parish Hospital recognizes its responsibility in providing for the safety and well-being of our community, healthcare providers and our employees. Because of this commitment, all hospital employees and healthcare providers must receive an annual influenza vaccination by Dec. 15 or wear a surgical mask while at work during influenza season.
“Our staff is the first line of defense during flu season, which is why we are taking this voluntary precaution,” said Chief Nursing Officer Kerry Milton BSN MHA. “We will provide the vaccine at no cost to all hospital employees as well as physicians, allied health professionals and volunteers as we have done in years past to ensure the safety of our employees and patients.”
Under a new policy this year, any hospital employee who has not received a flu shot by Dec. 15 will be required to wear a surgical mask and a colored identification badge when at work during influenza season.
“Immunizing healthcare workers and all other employees protects personnel and all with whom they come in contact so they can continue caring for the community,” said Leslie Kelt, the hospital’s director of infection prevention and control. “Scientific evidence supports that the influenza vaccine is effective in reducing signs and symptoms of influenza, as well as decreasing the number of influenza-related deaths.”
The Louisiana Office of Public Health, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, announces the start of the annual influenza endemic season - generally around Dec. 15 each year.
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A full-service acute care facility committed to providing world-class healthcare and the latest technology, St. Tammany Parish Hospital delivers today’s life-improving procedures with the utmost care to area residents with emphasis on wellness, preventive care and disease management close to home. STPH is a self-supporting not-for-profit community hospital; it receives no tax funding. STPH.org