Hershey Medical Center activates influenza policy

Employees who do not have a red flu vaccine sticker on their ID badge indicating that they received this season’s influenza vaccine are now required to wear a surgical mask when they are within six feet of a patient during inpatient and outpatient clinical encounters. All employees are urged to protect themselves, their patients and their family by getting a flu vaccine.

According to the most recent report by Employee Health Services, only 78.8 percent of employees at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State Health Medical Group are vaccinated. The goal is for 90 percent to receive the flu vaccine.

The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center policy strongly recommends that health care workers be vaccinated except in the unusual circumstance of a medical contraindication. Flu vaccine, including an egg-free option, is available in Employee Health Services at H1507. Employees can call 717-531-8280 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are permitted, but staff members are asked to call ahead. Individuals who have been vaccinated elsewhere should bring documentation to Employee Health in order to receive a sticker.

The flu vaccine for the current season has been updated to better match two circulating viruses, an influenza B virus and the main influenza A virus. Even if the vaccine doesn’t prevent infection in an individual, the risk for serious illness, hospitalization and death decreases by vaccination. In short, the vaccine saves lives. Learn more on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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