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Influenza Vaccination Program

About Influenza Vaccination Program

Influenza Vaccination Program at University Health Services

In a continuing effort to protect our patients as well as the employees, students and volunteers that make our organization great, influenza vaccination is mandatory at Jefferson. Please review the Influenza Vaccination policy number 200.82 located on the Intranet under Hospital Policies and Procedures for the full details.

UHS begins vaccination mid to late September of each year. The vaccine is available for employees, students and volunteers on a walk-in basis during the standard UHS office hours. The vaccine is available to these groups until the end of the traditional flu season, which is marked as April 1st of each year.

Flu Activity Widespread in PA and NJ: Know How to Protect Yourself, Our Staff and Our Patients

According to the FluView report between December 30, 2012 and January 5, 2013, influenza activity continues to increase in the United States, with most of the country now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness (ILI). These current levels of ILI are nearing what have been peak levels of ILI during moderately severe seasons in the past.

Ways to fight the flu:

  • Get the flu shot!
  • Wash your hands
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • If you are sick stay home
  • If your doctor prescribes flu antiviral drugs, make sure to take them

Pennsylvania and New Jersey, in particular, are reporting widespread influenza activity in all regions of the state. In Pennsylvania flu continues to be the most commonly detected virus in respiratory samples. The majority of influenza viruses circulating are influenza A, H3N2. The influenza viruses circulating this season are similar to strains included in this year's influenza vaccine.

If you are caring for a person that has ILI, the following steps need to be followed:

  • Private room – a negative pressure room is not required
  • DROPLET and CONTACT PRECAUTIONS
  • Healthcare workers (HCWs) wear a surgical mask,gloves, and gowns
  • For procedures likely to generate aerosols, HCWs wear an N95 respirator and eye protection or reusable HEPA powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR). Aerosol-generating procedures include open suctioning, endotracheal intubation, bronchoscopy and resuscitation efforts
  • The patient wears a surgical mask outside of room

For more information, visit:

Read "Flu picks up steam across the U.S." on CNN.com

Influenza Vaccination Exemptions

If you need to request exemption from receiving the vaccine due to a medical or religious reason, the official form must be completed by your medical doctor or your religious leader annually and submitted by October 31st of each year. Requests for exemption will undergo a formal review and will be considered on a case by case basis. The exemption forms can be downloaded below.

New Technology for Flu

UHS will use the Vac-Seen scanner technology to assist in influenza vaccination and compliance for the Jefferson community.

When you arrive for vaccination, remember to have your Jefferson ID badge accessible. You will have to present your ID badge to the nurse in order to be vaccinated. The vaccinating nurse will scan the barcode ID on the back of your ID badge to retrieve your current employee information (name, date of birth and department) from the PeopleSoft system. Your vaccination will be saved on the handheld device and your data will get loaded into PeopleSoft that evening. Come to UHS and get vaccinated with Vac-Seen!