H1N1 Vaccinations and Precautions

Staying Safe During the 2009-2010 Flu Season

As hospitals are preparing for the upcoming flu season, they are requesting that all temporary contract workers become vaccinated or, at the very least, acknowledge the risk associated with a potential flu infection and sign a declination form. Please note that Clinical One will not require our travel, contract, or per diem staff to receive the vaccinations, however due to the overwhelming requests from our clients to insure our travelers are prepared for the flu season, we are asking everyone to complete a Flu Assessment Form which can be obtained by contacting your Recruitment Specialist at 800-919-9100.

As healthcare workers, our responsibility is not only for our own health but also for the health of the patients to whom we provide care. Hospitals are preparing now for potentially large influxes of patients infected with the seasonal and/or H1N1 flu virus. There is significant concern that a large percentage of the healthcare workforce will also be infected, thereby jeopardizing hospitals capability to meet the needs of the patient population. The CDC has identified healthcare workers as top priority to receive the H1N1 vaccine in order to prevent drastic workforce shortages when the demand for healthcare will be at its highest.

Because of this, Clinical One would like to offer the following recommendations to help protect the health of employees and customers alike. As always, our efforts will be guided by and in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. We will continue to monitor information and advice on this important issue and modify or supplement these policies as necessary. In addition to our recommendations below, please be aware of the plans your facility has in place for dealing with public health emergencies and potential cases of illness within the staff.

Recommendations to Protect the Health of Employees and Customers:

Please continue with business as usual. All employees should report to work, unless otherwise directed by facility management. If you are asked not to report to your assignment for any reason due to the H1N1 Virus, please contact your Recruitment Specialist immediately so that we may follow up with the facility.

It is being recommended that healthcare professionals wear an N95 or similar respirator when caring for a patient with suspected flu. Additionally, patients suspected of being infected should be in private respiratory isolation rooms. Make yourself aware of the facility guidelines/policies with regards to the use of personal protective equipment and respiratory isolation procedures. If you have not already done so, please be sure you have been properly fitted for an N95 respirator. Clinical One can help to make arrangements for respirator fit testing if needed but many times this can be done through the facility's employee health department.

Prevention measures should be adopted immediately. This includes: getting vaccinated; covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; educating patients and family members who are coughing or sneezing to wear a mask; wiping down surfaces and chairs; washing your hands often with soap and water; avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and offering anti-bacterial creams or gels to patients.

If you suspect that you may be sick with the H1N1 Virus or are experiencing symptoms (refer to a summary of symptoms below), please notify the facility and Nurse Manager immediately. If you are experiencing a fever, you should avoid going to work until 24 hours after the fever breaks or being cleared of infection via a flu test. You should also contact your Recruitment Specialist as soon as possible so that we may work with you and the facility to ensure the safety of yourself and the patients.

Healthcare professionals, including nurses, should prepare themselves not only for patients with the illness, but also for questions and concerns from the public, and requests to help state and local health departments identify potential new cases.

Visit the CDC website often for up-to-date information on the H1N1 Virus as well as the World Health Organization. We also recommend that you visit the state health department website for your state to find out how the virus is presenting itself in your area.

Please familiarize yourself with the new hand washing guidelines published by the World Health Organization in their Saving Lives campaign.

What are the symptoms of the H1N1 virus in humans?
The H1N1 flu presents with similar symptoms as the regular seasonal flu. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, upper respiratory tract symptoms (cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea, shortness of breath), myalgias, arthralgias, fatigue, vomiting, or diarrhea. Clinicians should expect complications to be similar to seasonal influenza: exacerbation of underlying chronic medical conditions, upper respiratory tract disease (sinusitis, otitis media, croup) lower respiratory tract disease (pneumonia, bronchiolitis, status asthmaticus), cardiac (myocarditis, pericarditis), musculoskeletal (myositis, rhabdomyolysis), neurologic (acute and post-infectious encephalopathy, encephalitis, febrile seizures, status epilepticus), toxic shock syndrome, and secondary bacterial pneumonia with or without sepsis. More information about clinical management is available on the CDC Website.

Is the H1N1 Vaccination Covered Through My Insurance with Clinical One?
Yes! All three CIGNA HealthCare Plans offered by Clinical One will cover the H1N1 flu shot vaccine at 100% coverage in network. Covered members will not be asked for a co-pay or coinsurance. You may also go to an out of network provider/location for the H1N1 vaccine (for out of network providers/locations CIGNA will cover up to $21.00 and you may need to pay out of pocket and submit the expense to CIGNA for reimbursement). For additional questions on the coverage of the vaccine please contact Jenn Aylwin at 800-648-2469 ext. 1672.