By contrast, the proportion of VA hospitals with such requirements increased only slightly, from 1.3% in 2013 to just 4.1% in 2017 (P = .29), the report showed.
Penalties for not complying with the policy were not universal in hospitals with mandates, they added. Only 74% said they had such penalties, and 13% allowed health care personnel to decline influenza vaccination without a specified reason.
After the survey responses were received, the VA issued a directive stating that all health care personnel should receive annual influenza vaccination and should wear masks during influenza season, Dr. Greene noted.
That directive is in line with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which have stated that all health care personnel should receive influenza vaccination each year.
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