UVA Health 2021 Flu Vaccination Program

9.24.2021

UVA Health 2021 Flu Vaccination Program

Dear Colleagues,

As we continue to respond to COVID-19, UVA Health is also preparing for the arrival of flu season. Influenza/flu vaccination is safe and effective in preventing the transmission of the virus. It also provides one of the best ways to protect our teams, families, patients, visitors, and community. By maintaining our own health, we are able to support our colleagues and ensure care delivery to the patients who depend on us during flu season, the COVID-19 pandemic and every day. During the COVID pandemic, we are encouraging team members to obtain their flu vaccination either in their home departments (through use of To-Go Kits), from their primary care provider (PCP), or at local pharmacies. Following are details about the 2021-2022 UVA Health Seasonal Flu Plan for team members.

Timeline

Monday, Sept. 27 | Workplace flu shots become available at UVA Health
Monday, Nov. 1 | Deadline for submitting new exemption requests (see instructions below)
Friday, Nov. 12 | Deadline for team member annual flu shot compliance

Mandatory Flu Vaccination

Influenza vaccine is mandatory for all Tier 1 UVA Health team members, as described in Health System Policy OCH-002.
We will continue to administer two vaccine types to protect against two influenza A strains (H3NS and H1N1) and two influenza B strains:
- FluLaval Quadrivalent (standard)
- Flublok Quadrivalent (for those older than 50 years of age or individuals 18–49 who have received a solid organ transplant)

Exemptions

The exemption process for this year aligns with policy. Anyone who received an exemption last year has had their exemption automatically approved for this year. You can check your exemption status in VaxTrax.
New Exemption Requests - If you are seeking a new exemption this year, you can access the exemption request form here. You will be directed to sign in using your computing ID and password. Click the “Exemption” button to the right of your 2021 flu vaccine status. Click “Religious Exemption” or “Medical Exemption” based on the type of exemption you are requesting. This will take you to the exemption form and submission instructions. Requests must be submitted before the November 1 deadline.

Vaccination Logistics: UVA Health Team Members

This year’s flu vaccination program will focus on vaccinating groups of team members in their work area rather than holding large flu clinics.

Inpatient units, ambulatory clinics and other work areas with clinicians qualified to administer flu vaccines will be provided To Go Kits allowing these groups to vaccinate their own teams. Managers should assign a Flu Champion in their area to:
- Coordinate the delivery or pick up of To Go Kits with Employee Health
- Vaccinate team members
- Document vaccinations in VaxTrax (user instructions are provided with the To Go Kits)
Non-clinical teams/departments (e.g., HIT, Finance, Marketing) should contact Employee Health via fluvax@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu to schedule a time for volunteer nurses to provide flu vaccinations in their home department locations. A group leader should be assigned to:
- Reserve the space where vaccinations can be given
- Inform their team members about vaccination dates and times

Vaccination Logistics: Other Groups Working Within UVA Health

UVA medical and nursing students will be vaccinated through their respective schools.
Morrison’s and Crothall employees will be vaccinated in the same way as Medical Center team members. Employee Health will work with managers to make flu shot arrangements.
Medical Center vendors will be required to submit documentation via Reptrax (the vendor tracking system) that they have received this year’s seasonal flu vaccine.
Non-UVA students working within the Medical Center will be required to provide vaccination documentation to their preceptor.

Need to Know

Remove the ’20-’21 sticker from your ID badge at this time.
If you have had an adverse reaction to a flu shot in the past, or if you have concerns about receiving injections, we highly recommend consulting with and receiving your flu vaccination from your PCP.
If you receive your vaccine from your PCP (including those affiliated with UVA) or a pharmacy, you must present your documentation to Employee Health or email it to fluvax@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu to receive a sticker. Documentation must include two patient identifiers (ex: Name and DOB). Volunteers can turn in their documentation at the Volunteer Office.

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