Together we can stop the flu

Flu clinics and walk-ins available

Fall is a beautiful time in our Valley and Canyon. The changing colors signal Friday Night Lights, pumpkin patch visits and bountiful harvests. But the red and golden leaves also herald another season: flu season.

As we enter October together, I encourage everyone to get their flu shot. See employee requirements below. We’ll have flu clinics available across our campuses and Employee Health will offer walk-in appointments. See flyer below for all the details. 

The flu is serious

You may not think of flu as a serious disease, but complications can lead to severe illness, hospitalization and even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine every year.

Healthy tips

You already know that even healthy people get the flu. Help protect your patients, colleagues and loved ones by taking three easy steps, according to the CDC, and share with your patients:

1. First, get yourself and your loved ones a flu shot. It's quick and can protect you all season.
2. Second, take everyday actions to help prevent the spread of germs like flu. Cover your cough, stay home if you're sick, and wash your hands often.
3. Third, there are drugs that can treat flu illness. These work best when started early. Learn more at cdc.gov/flu. 

Remember: The flu stops with you. Thank you for the simple steps you take each day, like a flu shot, to help keep our patients, colleagues and loved ones safe.

Together, let’s stop the flu.

Action required: Flu vaccine proof or exception to MSO by Nov. 17

From Jasmin Chaudhary, MD, Salem Hospital Medical Staff President; Zubaria Iram, MD, West Valley Hospital Medical Staff President; and Marc Sunday, DO, Salem Hospital Medical Staff President-Elect

• Email proof of flu vaccination to the Salem Hospital Medical Staff Office at medicalstaffoffice@salemhealth.org or receive a flu vaccination from a Salem Health Employee Health flu clinic or walk-in appointment by Nov. 17.
• Acceptable proof includes: 
• A signed statement or form, or an electronic form or email from you indicating when and where you received the influenza vaccine, or
• A note, receipt, vaccination card, etc. from an outside vaccinating entity stating the provider received the influenza vaccine at the location.
• Note: Verbal statements are not acceptable for the purposes of this measure.

What if I need an exception approved?

• By policy, the Medical Executive Committees (MECs) may exempt a provider from the flu vaccination requirement under the following situations:
• Medical: Severe allergy to vaccine components, or history of Guillain-Barre within six weeks of a prior flu vaccine. Providers requesting a medical exception must provide documentation of medical contraindications. 
• Religious: Special religious accommodations requested in writing and approved by the MEC.
• Request submittal: Please email medicalstaffoffice@salemhealth.org for the exception form.