Written by Page Thompson, Director of Employee Health & Safety at Propelus
Whether you are a healthcare worker, hospital or health system executive, or compliance leader within a healthcare organization, protecting the health and well-being of your organization’s workforce is everyone’s priority . While healthcare workers give vaccines to patients regularly, it’s also important that physicians and nurses and other staff also need to protect themselves while working in a high-risk environment. Keep reading as we discover the most important vaccines required for healthcare workers in the United States.
General Vaccination Requirements
It can sometimes be challenging to find up-to-date information about vaccination requirements. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works to set guidelines for organizations about the recommended vaccinations for adults in general and healthcare workers. On top of that, you can also refer to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommendations.
Specific Vaccines for Healthcare Workers
The necessary or required vaccines for staff may vary based on their job role and other factors, but the list below provides an overview of the most important vaccines. Healthcare workers have a much higher risk of illness due to working around sick patients every day, hence the need for them to get additional vaccines when compared to an average adult in the US.
Let’s look at the most critical vaccines healthcare workers should stay up-to-date with.
1. Hepatitis B
This vaccine’s treatment plan is a series of doses over six months. Hepatitis B attacks the liver and can be a severe disease resulting in long-term infection, cancer, or liver failure. Most individuals receive this vaccine as an infant or child, and you can test yourself six weeks following the last vaccine to ensure adequate protection against HBV. Typically, booster vaccines for Hepatitis B don’t occur.
2. Influenza (Flu)
Healthcare workers should receive flu vaccines annually. This type of seasonal vaccine helps to protect staff from that year’s flu strain. Flu is one of the most disruptive illnesses in healthcare settings, especially during winter. When flu spreads between teams, it can quickly lead to staffing challenges. It’s swift to spread between patients and workers working within close quarters, which is why this vaccine is essential for healthcare workers.
3. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
The MMR vaccine is critical for healthcare workers in close contact with patients daily. You must receive documentation showing your immunity or vaccination when working for many companies. This vaccination protects against all three diseases, which can be contagious in healthcare settings.
4. Varicella (Chickenpox)
Within healthcare settings, you are at a much higher risk of contracting chickenpox than in typical working environments for adults. You’ll also likely need to provide proof of your immunity or vaccination to an employer. The CDC recommends two doses of varicella for full protection.
5. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
Alongside infection prevention measures, Tdap can help to reduce the chances of contracting tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis. This vaccine is especially important for healthcare professionals who work with infants and pregnant women due to the higher risk of severe or fatal pertussis. For adults who did not receive Tdap previously, getting vaccinated as soon as possible is important. This vaccine is ok to obtain even if you previously received one for tetanus or diphtheria, and then it can be followed by a booster every ten years.
6. Meningococcal
Meningococcal is a very serious disease and, if left untreated, can be deadly within just a few hours. Vaccines are important for healthcare workers who are at a higher risk of contracting this illness, which is caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. While this vaccine is typically offered to preteens and teenagers, specific healthcare settings with a higher risk of contracting the illness require it.
7. COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on vaccination policies within workplaces and caused a lot of discussion and controversy about the topic. Current requirements and recommendations will vary depending on your location, but healthcare workers are still encouraged to get boosters for COVID-19. We all saw how quickly COVID-19 could spread within healthcare settings, and taking this vaccine is not only about protecting yourself but also stopping the disease from spreading among your patients.
Additional Vaccines and Considerations
The unique settings and challenges healthcare workers face within their workplace will dictate the complete list of vaccines required. However, Hepatitis A is often a requirement for healthcare workers who have exposure to feces. If you plan to travel regularly as part of your job or support healthcare programs overseas, then you will likely need to get more vaccines before traveling. We recommend consulting with an infectious disease physician if you have questions or concerns about travel to specific countries. The type of healthcare work and your travel history will impact the requirements placed upon you, but always ask a potential employer about these requirements before accepting a job.
Employer Responsibilities and Worker Rights
As an employer, you aim to protect your workforce’s health and well-being. If you have a list of required vaccines for your workers, then you must ensure you offer them easy access to these vaccinations. From there, a strong documentation and record-keeping process should be implemented to help you keep up with vaccinations and boosters. Make sure you receive consent from your employees before putting their details on file, and continue to educate your team about the importance of vaccinations for their health.
About Immuware
As a healthcare organization administrator and leader, you have a role to play in looking after the health of your employees and patients. Not only will you protect their well-being, but you will also improve results within your workplace when you reduce days lost to sickness. By following the guidelines above and researching the key vaccinations recommended by the CDC and OSHA for healthcare workers, you can better manage employee vaccinations. Immuware is designed to support you in managing employee vaccine information and increasing your compliance rates. We will help you assist your team thrive in the dynamic healthcare working environment.
