October 5, 2012 2:53 pm
Overriding the objections of health-care workers' unions and the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, Health Director Michael D. Fine filed new regulations requiring seasonal flu shots for doctors, nurses and others -- employees, temporary workers and volunteers -- working for hospitals, nursing homes, home-care agencies and other health-care organizations.
Workers can be exempted from the requirement for documented medical reasons. They can also sign a form saying that they refuse to get immunized. But those who are not immunized will have to wear a surgical mask for each patient contact during "a period when flu is widespread," as declared by the health director.
