Editor’s Note: The following is a letter from UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, and Nebraska Medicine CEO Jim Linder, MD, to the UNMC and Nebraska Medicine communities about influenza vaccination, COVID-19 booster shots and TB questionnaires.
Every fall, we roll up our sleeves to protect ourselves, our families, our patients and our community from influenza. It’s hard to believe a year has passed, but it’s time again to get your flu shot. Eligible health care workers who received their second Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine dose at least six months ago are also able to receive a booster dose, which we are pleased to be offering as part of our on-site vaccine clinics starting this week.
While last year’s flu season was fairly mild, we know that many people who have received the COVID vaccine have relaxed social distancing and mask wearing. That, combined with a return to in-person school and work, make it increasingly important to receive the influenza vaccine this year. As a reminder, 100% of health care providers, students and employees are expected to document their vaccination status in our Health Tracking System. After you log in, you will record your receipt of the vaccination, the reason you declined it or notate that you received it elsewhere. Our goal is for at least 90% of our employees and health care providers to receive the influenza vaccine.
Just last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized a booster dose for select people who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago. This group includes health care workers due to the increased risk of exposure and transmission that comes with our jobs. If you received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, you can schedule your booster dose at an upcoming vaccination clinic in lower Storz Pavilion.
- Sign up for a flu and/or COVID-19 vaccination at on-site clinics at Nebraska Medical Center at this link.
- The full schedule, including influenza clinics at Bellevue Medical Center is available within the Health Tracking System
- To access the online Health Tracking System from off network, follow these step-by-step instructions
Influenza vaccines are also available within your clinical area or can be received at a local grocery store or pharmacy. A mobile vaccination cart will also be offered for Pfizer COVID-19 boosters, and a schedule will be shared with inpatient units at Nebraska Medical Center and Bellevue Medical Center as it’s finalized. If you receive your influenza and/or COVID-19 booster at your doctor’s office, at a local pharmacy or a grocery store, you will need to log into Health Tracking System and record your dose(s).
The CDC no longer recommends routine annual skin testing for health care personnel. However, all health care providers do need to complete an annual symptom review form. This form is located within the online health tracking system and can be filled out when you log in to complete your influenza questionnaire or document your influenza or COVID-19 vaccination status.
Be an advocate for patients. Beginning Oct. 1, all inpatient nursing staff should screen and vaccinate inpatients for influenza before discharge. Similarly, influenza vaccine is available at our clinics and should be given to all patients six months or older who do not have a contraindication.
Being vaccinated for flu and COVID-19, as we both have done, is directly in line with our mission, which includes leading the world, and creating a healthy future for individuals and communities. It also is an important part of our commitment to Zero Harm. Thank you for doing your part to keep everyone as safe as possible.