Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued an advisory that the coming “flu season” is expected to be unusually severe. In response to this, the president of the medical staff has recommended that hospital staff, employees, and volunteers receive mandatory influenza immunizations. With exceptions for those who are allergic and anyone with a valid religious prohibition against vaccination, those who refuse the immunization would not be allowed to work.

What issues should be considered in establishing this policy? To what groups is responsibility owed? What will you recommend to the hospital Board and C-Suite?