Mandatory Vaccination or Masking for Healthcare Personnel
The Public Health Officer, Dr. Wilma Wooten, has issued a health officer order mandating that all licensed acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, ambulatory and community clinics, and ambulance providers in San Diego County develop a program requiring that their healthcare personnel receive an annual influenza vaccination and that persons who decline to receive the vaccine be required to wear a mask while in contact with patients or working in patient care areas during the influenza season.
This action, in conjunction with your ongoing efforts to provide influenza vaccine to all of your patients six months of age and older, including pregnant women and persons with chronic medical conditions, will help reduce employee absenteeism and prevent the spread of influenza to vulnerable patients.