Attachment 6 - VHA Directive 1192 Seasonal Influenza Prevention Program for VHA Health Care Personnel.pdf

This is a VHA Directive (1192.01) dated August 10, 2020, establishing mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination policy for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) healthcare personnel (HCP). The directive supersedes VHA Directive 1192 from September 26, 2017 and is scheduled for recertification by August 31, 2025.

The directive requires all VHA healthcare personnel to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain a medical or religious exemption. Key requirements include: vaccination documentation must be submitted by November 30 each year using Form 10-9050; unvaccinated exempt personnel must wear face masks during flu season (December 1-March 31); compliance is a condition of employment with potential disciplinary action including removal from federal service for violations. The directive details specific responsibilities across various roles including facility directors, occupational health staff, and supervisors. Background data shows VHA HCP vaccination rates of 65-75% despite a 90% target goal, with the 2019-2020 flu season resulting in 4,610 influenza hospitalizations and 107 deaths within VHA facilities.