Minneapolis (June 24, 2021) – Allina Health announced today the organization’s mandatory influenza vaccination program. Beginning with the 2021-2022 influenza season, all Allina Health employees, students, contracted staff and volunteers, must receive the influenza vaccination, with limited exemptions.
Influenza is a serious respiratory illness that can affect children and adults regardless of pre-existing health concerns. It also has the highest rates of complications and hospitalization for people aged 65 and older, young children and people with other medical conditions.
“Getting the influenza vaccine is the first and best way to reduce the chance of getting influenza,” said Molly Clark, vice president, Safety and Quality for Allina Health. “Health care workers are at a higher risk of exposure to influenza. By being immunized we’re helping protect our team, our patients, and our ability to care for the communities we serve.”
The safety of Allina Health patients, staff, volunteers, visitors and the communities we serve is our top priority. By making the influenza vaccination mandatory for all employees, with certain exceptions, we are joining other health care delivery systems locally and nationally that have taken this important safety step.
Organizations that have implemented a mandatory policy have seen dramatic reductions in employee absenteeism and healthcare associated influenza, improved patient safety and reduced healthcare costs. The CDC recommends that all U.S. healthcare workers get vaccinated annually against influenza.
At this time, we are not mandating that employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Our approach to vaccines will be guided by the same considerations – the safety of our patients, staff and communities, as well as our commitment to zero preventable harm.
Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A nonprofit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 14 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.