Please read this message from Dr. Marc Boom sent on Tuesday, September 13, 2022.
Yesterday, we kicked off our annual systemwide flu vaccine campaign, which runs through Nov. 3. Flu season is upon us, but unlike the last few years when a large portion of Americans were protecting themselves against COVID-19 by wearing a mask, this won’t be the case this fall. Therefore, we must do everything possible to protect our patients, ourselves and our loved ones by getting our flu vaccine. If you have any questions, please see this FAQ.
Houston Methodist was a national leader when we first required the flu vaccine more than a decade ago. Here are some important facts:
- Influenza outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities are often caused by low employee vaccination rates. This is why the CDC recommends that all eligible health care workers are vaccinated.
- If you do get the flu, it is often milder after vaccination. Those with conditions like diabetes and lung disease and those who are older or pregnant have fewer hospitalizations after vaccination.
- It’s our responsibility to help protect the old and young in our communities and homes because they are at risk for serious illness from the flu.
You should schedule your flu shot through the Employee Health portal and more information will be in the HR Hub this week.
This flu season, remember to practice excellent hand washing and cough etiquette, wear your mask continuously providing direct patient care activities. If you do get ill, do not report to work and check with your manager and Employee Health prior to returning to work.
Please refer to Houston Methodist’s flu policy for more details.
Complying with our flu policy is one more way to keep the patient at the center of everything we do. I hope you will join me in getting your flu vaccine and doing everything to slow down the spread of flu this season as we also continue to combat COVID-19.
Thank you for your compliance and for all you do to keep our patients safe.
Marc L. Boom, M.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Ella Fondren and Josie Roberts Presidential Distinguished Centennial Chair
Houston Methodist
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