Mandatory flu shots for WCHS employees

Alexis Barker
NLJ Reporter
 
In order to better protect Manor residents and hospital patients, Weston County Health Services will now have a mandatory flu shot policy for employees. 
The Weston County Health Services board of trustees approved a policy on Feb. 21 that will require employees to get the vaccine unless they have valid health or religious reasons. Those who do not receive the shot will be required to wear face masks during the flu season while at work beginning with the flu season that will come at the end of 2019.  
“Dr. (Mike) Jording has asked us to consider a mandatory flu vaccination,” CEO Maureen Cadwell said. 
Prevention nurse Angela Phillips reported that 72 percent of hospital and Manor staff have received the free vaccine this year for the facility, which is lower than in the past. 
“What we are getting is a lot of people concerned about side effects or they simply don’t give their reason for not getting it,” Phillips said. “We do have three with medical reasons, but two of those could be fixed with the use of a non-egg vaccine. The other would have to have a medical waiver from a physician.” 
Trustee Connie James, who is also a nurse with WIC (Women, Infant and Children) in Newcastle, said that the flu vaccine has become a national concern and the trend across the country is to make those vaccines mandatory for employees in the health field. She noted that the Wyoming Department of Health does
not have a mandatory vaccination policy but that employees are strongly encouraged to receive one. 
“It is a hard one to attempt, but just calling around I had some people so shocked that we haven’t gone this way already. A majority of facilities are not mandatory, but they require their staff to wear a mask if they don’t get a vaccine,” Phillips said.
James said that her main concern is how to enforce mandatory vaccines within the facility. 
“That is mine too. Those who are vaccinated will have a sticker that says they are,” Phillips said. “It is going to need some major support from administration and managers to monitor it. It is going to take some real backing to make sure it is implemented across the board.” 
“I can’t imagine why we don’t have this policy being in a medical facility,” said Mike Ratigan, a new board member. 
“It definitely comes down to this is our only defense we have right now, and I feel like Mike does. We are in health care; we are here for a reason,” Phillips said. 
“We (health care providers) are the most vulnerable,” James said. 
Phillips noted that at least once a year the Manor is closed off, typically due to the flu and that the message the facility is sending is probably not positive if the facility is shut down but employees do not have to be vaccinated. 
The board unanimously approved the mandatory vaccine policy, which Cadwell summarized as requiring the flu vaccination unless the employee has a valid medical or religious reason. If the employee refuses to get the vaccine, a mask will be required.