Healthy News

Dr. Joseph L. Mancusi, Health Correspondent

“Health-care associated influenza outbreaks are a common and serious public health problem that contribute significantly to patient morbidity and mortality and create a financial burden on health care systems. In a new policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all health care personnel should be required to receive an annual influenza vaccine. Flu generates a cost burden of approximately $87 billion per year in the United States. Mandatory influenza immunization for all health care personnel is "ethically justified, necessary and long overdue to ensure patient safety", according to the statement. “The influenza vaccine is safe, effective, and cost-effective, so health care organizations must work to assuage common fears and misconceptions about the influenza virus and the vaccine.”

The bottom line is this: Many vulnerable infants, children and elderly get sick and die from the flu they catch from health care workers who do not get flu shots. You can infect others with the flu 48 hours before you even have symptoms. Many health care providers suffer from the same foolish fears as the public. Fact: You cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Fact: The flu shot is safe and effective. If your health care provider did not get the flu shot, find one who will not put you and your family at risk. Ask. You have a right to know.

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