Local Hospitals Mandate Flu Shot

It might seem a little early to start thinking about flu season, but several area hospitals are about to make the "shot in the arm" mandatory for their staff. 

This includes all employees who work in patient care areas at Henry Ford Hospital, the Detroit Medical Center and Karmanos Cancer Institue. 

Hospital staff members will soon receive a special sticker on ID badge indicating they have received the flu vaccine.  

Dr Marcus Zervos tells WWJ Newsradio 950 that some exemptions will be allowed. Employees who can't opt not to get the annual flu shot, due to medical or other significant reasons, will be required to wear a surgical mask for the duration of the flu season. 

The new regulations go into effect this fall.  Prior to this decision, the three health care institutions made getting the flu vaccine voluntary for employees.  

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