1021Immunization letter - October 2019.docx

The Western Maryland Hospital Center Infection Prevention and Control Program monitors the relevant health status of all employees. The Employee Health Program follows the guidelines set forth by the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 10.07.02.21 entitled Maryland Department of Health, Hospitals, Comprehensive Care Facilities and Extended Care Facilities, Infection Control Program.

All new employees are assessed for the following vaccinations:

Tuberculosis:

· Two-step tuberculin skin test

· The tuberculin skin test must be completed within the last 12 months and must contain results recorded in millimeters of induration, date provided of each reading, signature of administrator, and the lot number and manufacturer of the purified protein derivative (PPD) used to be accepted.

· The new employee can receive the two-step tuberculin skin test, at no cost to the employee, through the employee health nurse.

· Chest x-ray completed in the last five years (completed for individuals unable to receive a two-step test).

Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella and Tdap:

· Proof of immunity to common childhood infections:

· Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), and Tdap.

· Immunity is verified by one of the following:

· Documented evidence of administration of the vaccine.

· Laboratory evidence of immunity (except Tdap).

Influenza:

· Annual immunization for influenza is required by all employees, unless:

· Medically contraindicated

· Religious beliefs

Hepatitis B Vaccination:

· OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030, requires that employers offer the hepatitis B vaccination series to any employee who is reasonably anticipated to have exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. The vaccine is provided to the employee at no cost. The hepatitis B vaccination is a series of three injections over a six month period. After the last vaccine an immunity check will be done, at no cost to the employee, to assess immunity.

If the employee refuses to be immunized, a declination form must be signed with the reason clearly documented. Western Maryland Hospital Center is required to keep clear reasons for the employee’s refusal (as being medically contraindicated or against religious beliefs) within the employee’s medical record. Western Maryland Hospital Center can do prescreening for the antibody immunity for required vaccination for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B (except Tdap) for all and no charge to the individual.

COVID-19 Vaccination:

· Immunization for COVID-19 is required by all employees, unless:

· Medically contraindicated

· Religious beliefs image1.png