Attachment 2 - VHA Directive 1192.01, Seasonal Influen..pdf

This is a VHA Directive establishing mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination policy for health care personnel (HCP) in Veterans Health Administration facilities.

The directive requires all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain a medical or religious exemption by November 30 each year. HCP who receive exemptions must wear face masks throughout the influenza season (generally December 1 through March 31, expandable based on local epidemiological circumstances). Compliance is a condition of employment, and violations may result in disciplinary action up to removal from federal service. The policy applies to all VA-employed and contract personnel who work in VHA locations or contact VA patients, including clinical and administrative staff, remote workers, paid and unpaid employees, volunteers, trainees, and home-based care providers. The VHA Office of Occupational Safety and Health serves as the responsible office for policy implementation and oversight. Health Care Personnel Influenza Vaccination Form (VA Form 10-9050) must be completed and submitted to Employee Occupational Health by November 30 annually or within two weeks of employment start date. Documentation requirements specify that vaccination administered by VA providers must be recorded by Employee Occupational Health; vaccination by non-VA providers requires documentation of immunization records or medical records; and exemptions require physician certification for medical contraindications or written statement for religious beliefs. The directive rescinded prior VHA Directive 1192 dated September 26, 2017, and is scheduled for recertification by August 31, 2025. Appendices provide detailed implementation procedures and the required vaccination form.