October 26, 2001

During this challenging time, MGH employees and staff all are handling concerns about bioterrorism and considering the risk of exposure to infectious agents. Because of these concerns, MGH Occupational Health Services (OHS) staff members believe that it is more important than ever for MGHers to recognize the significant risk of contracting the flu, and they encourage all employees and staff to take precautions to prevent flu infection.

According to Susan Loomis, director of OHS, the flu is responsible for 67,000 deaths in the United States each year, and despite the availability of flu vaccine, many health care workers do not get vaccinated. "It is especially important for hospital employees to get vaccinated so that we do not spread infection to coworkers and patients," she says. "We need to remain healthy so that we can continue to provide the highest quality of care for our patients."

Key points to remember about flu shots:

• The flu vaccine is safe and effective. Flu shots are incapable of causing flu infection because the vaccine is inactivated.
• Flu vaccine also is accessible. It does not take much time to get vaccinated for the protection of employees and others.
• Vaccinations will be available for all employees and volunteers Nov. 1 to 7, from 7 am to 5 pm in the Main Corridor. Employees and staff must bring their ID badges and wear clothing with sleeves that easily roll up to the shoulder. Vaccinations also are available on all inpatient units and at the health centers through the peer vaccination program.
• Off-campus flu clinics have been scheduled at CNY Nov. 8 and 13, from 9 am to noon in the lobby of Building 149; One Constitution Center, Nov. 13, from 1 to 3 pm in Conference Room 248; and in Somerville Nov. 1, from 9 to 11 am at a location to be announced.

If these dates and times are not convenient, vaccination appointments are available by calling OHS at (617) 726-2217. Employees with latex allergies also need to call for an appointment to receive specially prepared vaccine.

Flu shots for patients
In addition to the employee flu vaccinations, the MGH and the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization (MGPO) provide thousands of flu shots to patients throughout the flu season. The MGH/MGPO Flu Shot Program currently is under way.

Patients, staff and others with questions about the flu vaccine can call a toll-free hotline at (877) 733-3737.

Because of ongoing concerns about bioterrorism, staff members of the MGH/MGPO Flu Shot Program are reassuring patients that the vaccine is safe and effective for prevention of the flu. The Food and Drug Administration monitors production and packaging of the flu vaccine, setting strict quality standards that include thorough inspection of the vaccine before distribution. In addition, all vaccine will be inspected upon delivery by MGH staff.