Open AccessVaccinating Health Care Workers Against Influenza: The Ethical and Legal Rationale for a Mandate
Author(s) -
Abigale L. Ottenberg,
Joel T. Wu,
Gregory A. Poland,
Robert M. Jacobson,
Barbara A. Koenig,
Jon C. Tilburt
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2009.190751
Subject(s) - public health , mandate , health care , medicine , workforce , vaccination , environmental health , pandemic , status quo , health policy , nursing , political science , covid-19 , law , disease , virology , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Despite improvements in clinician education, symptom awareness, and respiratory precautions, influenza vaccination rates for health care workers have remained unacceptably low for more than three decades, adversely affecting patient safety. When public health is jeopardized, and a safe, low-cost, and effective method to achieve patient safety exists, health care organizations and public health authorities have a responsibility to take action and change the status quo. Mandatory influenza vaccination for health care workers is supported not only by scientific data but also by ethical principles and legal precedent. The recent influenza pandemic provides an opportunity for policymakers to reconsider the benefits of mandating influenza vaccination for health care workers, including building public trust, enhancing patient safety, and strengthening the health care workforce.