UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, and Michael Ash, MD, CEO of Nebraska Medicine, are sending out this message regarding annual vaccination and tuberculosis symptom review.
Fall respiratory virus season is approaching, and it’s time to take action.
As health care professionals, our patients and community look to us to lead by example. Getting vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 is one of the most effective ways we can protect ourselves and those around us. Vaccination helps prevent the spread of illness and support our mission to create a healthier future. It’s also part of our commitment to Zero Harm and a requirement for annual reporting to The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Our goal:
We’re aiming for at least 90% of Nebraska Medicine colleagues and UNMC faculty, staff and students to receive the influenza vaccine this season and 100% to document their vaccination status.
2. On-site drop-in clinics run Thursday, Oct. 9, through Monday, Nov. 24:
No appointment needed. Just bring your badge and complete the influenza questionnaire in the Health Tracking System before arriving. (Instructions for accessing the Health Tracking System off-network.) View the full schedule on the Flu Shot Hub. If you’d like to volunteer to help staff a clinic, sign up here.
Colleagues who work in clinical areas with staff available to administer flu shots should get vaccinated in their area. Vaccines will be available beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1. If you are unsure whether your area will provide flu shots, check with your manager.
3. COVID-19 vaccine availability:
While staying up to date is strongly encouraged, COVID-19 vaccination is not required.
4. Document your vaccination status:
Everyone is expected to log their influenza and COVID-19 vaccination status in the Health Tracking System.
- If you receive the vaccine from an on-site drop-in clinic or in your clinical area, it will be recorded automatically.
- If you get vaccinated elsewhere (e.g., pharmacy or physician’s office), log it manually. If you decline the vaccines, please document your reason.
5. Required tuberculosis symptom review:
Colleagues must complete their annual tuberculosis symptom review in the Health Tracking System starting Wednesday, Oct. 1. This is required for everyone.
Lean into our Accountability ITEACH value
We don’t mandate vaccines, but we trust that our colleagues will do the right thing because it’s part of our responsibility to one another and our patients.
We also encourage you to advocate for your patients:
- Inpatient nursing staff should screen and vaccinate patients before discharge.
- Outpatient teams should offer the flu vaccine to all eligible patients over 6 months of age.
For more information and resources, visit the Flu Shot Hub and the Health Tracking System.
Thank you for leading with care, integrity and accountability.
Michael Ash, MD
CEO, Nebraska Medicine
H. Dele Davies, MD
Interim Chancellor, UNMC