Attachment IV - VHA Directive 1192-01.pdf

This document is a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Directive 1192.01 dated August 10, 2020, establishing a mandatory Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program for VHA Health Care Personnel (HCP). The directive requires all health care personnel covered by the policy to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons by November 30 each year. Health care personnel who do not comply may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

Key details include: HCP must either get vaccinated, request a medical or religious exemption, and submit the required VA Form 10-9050 by the deadline. Unvaccinated personnel must wear a face mask in VHA locations, including clinical and non-clinical areas. The directive applies to all VA employees, volunteers, trainees, contractors, and other personnel who work in or visit VA medical facilities. The policy is supported by multiple professional health organizations and aims to reduce influenza transmission among health care workers and patients, with the CDC reporting only 81.1% of HCP were vaccinated in the 2018-19 influenza season.