CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston Area Medical Center has been recognized by a state group for "going above and beyond the call of duty" in getting the flu vaccine to employees and preventing the potential spread of the disease, The Charleston Gazette reported March 11.
CAMC made the seasonal flu vaccine mandatory for all employees last year. Two people, including a nurse, who refused to get the vaccine were fired after the Jan. 9 deadline passed.
The West Virginia Immunization Network, a coalition of members from all areas of health care within the state, gave CAMC a "Hot Shot Award," which recognizes people or groups in the state for their efforts to increase immunizations in their communities.
CAMC’s award recognizes the "dramatic effect health care worker immunization has on reducing influenza outbreaks and associated complications among patients," wrote Sharon Lansdale, president of the Center for Rural Health Development, which is part of the network.
In 2009 CAMC made it mandatory for all employees, regardless of patient contact, to get the seasonal flu vaccine. Numerous CAMC employees said they got their shots only to stave off unemployment.
"CAMC has received numerous positive comments form infection control experts around the country," hospital spokesman Dale Witte said in a statement. "They have praised CAMC for being a leader in this effort. CAMC also has received several calls from other hospitals seeking guidance so they can implement similar policies in the future."
