Time to get vaccinated and take the tuberculosis questionnaire

With seasonal viruses approaching, UNMC Interim Chancellor Dele Davies, MD, and Jim Linder, MD, CEO of Nebraska Medicine, are sending out this joint message to the med center on vaccinations.

Fall respiratory virus season is right around the corner. Since we are health care experts in our community, the public and our patients are looking to us to set the example by getting vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19.  

We know vaccination minimizes the spread of illness. It protects everyone – our community, families, colleagues, trainees and patients. It aligns with our mission to lead the world and create a healthy future for individuals and communities. It is also an important part of our commitment to Zero Harm. Additionally, we are required to report our vaccination rates to The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) every year. 

Here are the four things Nebraska Medicine colleagues and UNMC faculty, staff and students should know about this year’s influenza and COVID-19 vaccines:  

1. Our goal is for at least 90% of Nebraska Medicine colleagues and UNMC faculty, staff and students to receive the influenza vaccine. 
2. Nebraska Medicine colleagues and UNMC faculty, staff and students are expected to document their influenza and COVID-19 vaccination status in the Health Tracking System. 
3. If you receive the vaccine from an on-site clinic or through your clinical area, it will automatically be recorded for you. 
4. Log in to the Health Tracking System to record if you received the vaccination elsewhere (pharmacy, physician’s office, etc.) or declined the vaccination and provide a reason for declination. 
5. Drop-in vaccine clinics will be held at various locations across the system from Oct. 2 through Nov. 14. Remember to fill out your influenza questionnaire on the Health Tracking System before you arrive. To access the online Health Tracking System from off-network, follow these step-by-step instructions. 
6. Everyone is strongly encouraged to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, but vaccination is not required. Due to supply chain issues, Nebraska Medicine has received a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines for colleague administration. Vaccines may not be available at all drop-in clinics. Read this UNMC Today article for more information.  

All Nebraska Medicine colleagues and any UNMC students or staff who are fitted to wear an N95 respirator are also expected to fill out their annual symptom review form for tuberculosis (TB). Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 2, you can log into the Health Tracking System to complete this brief questionnaire. 

Our ITEACH value of Accountability requires us to take ownership and do the right thing. We do not mandate vaccines or require them for employment, but we are confident most of our students and workforce will be vaccinated because it is simply the right thing to do. It is part of our responsibility to our patients and one another.   

We also encourage you to be an advocate for patients. Influenza vaccines are now available for patients. All inpatient nursing staff should screen and vaccinate them for influenza before discharge. Similarly, the influenza vaccine will be available in outpatient clinics. It should be given to all patients over the age of 6 months who do not have a contraindication. Consult the Health Tracking System for additional influenza and COVID-19 vaccine resources. 

Sincerely,

Jim Linder, MD, CEO, Nebraska Medicine 

Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor, UNMC