Public Employee Press

Swine flu: What employees need to know

With the onset of autumn, public health officials have predicted that the swine flu — now known as the H1N1 virus — would return and spread quickly.

In an emergency regulation that took effect Aug. 13, the New York State Health Dept. required all Health and Hospital Corp. personnel who come into contact with patients — including volunteers, clerks, technicians, housekeeping staff and physicians — to get vaccinations for both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus.

The requirement is an effort by public health officials to protect health-care workers and vulnerable patients at high risk of serious adverse effects from influenza and to prevent the disease from spreading.

Individuals who have medical contraindications to receiving the vaccines are exempt if they have a letter from a New York State-licensed physician or certified nurse practitioner confirming their medical condition.

DC 37 and many other unions support vaccination but oppose the mandatory requirement.

Fact sheets are available from the DC 37 Safety and Health Dept and online at www.dc37.net. “H1N1 Influenza: What Workers Need to Know” deals with frequently asked questions, and separate fact sheets are available for school, health-care and home-care workers. Both the H1N1 and the seasonal flu shots are required by Nov. 30, and H1N1 shots are free for HHC employees at HHC facilities.

Where there is a risk of occupational exposure to influenza, workers should receive adequate protection, including respiratory protection and proper ventilation. Although city and state health department officials claim that surgical masks are adequate, most federal and state safety agencies and DC 37’s Safety and Health Dept. say that N95 respirators are required for workers who deal with members of the public who have confirmed or suspected H1N1 infections.