Mandatory Immunization of Health Care Personnel Against Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza

Seasonal influenza causes substantial morbidity and mortality annually, particularly in high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, immunosuppressed persons, and persons with chronic illnesses. Pandemic influenza has the potential to kill millions of people in the United States and abroad, destabilize national economies, and threaten national security. Preventing health care-associated transmission of influenza can limit these outcomes by protecting patients, health care personnel (HCP) and local communities. For this reason, IDSA supports mandatory immunization of HCP as a key measure in the prevention of health care-associated influenza.

IDSA’s related policy efforts specific to: 

• Emerging Infections and Biothreats 
• Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Facilities