States mandate flu vaccinations for health workers

The Rhode Island Department of Health on Friday adopted regulations that require all health workers in the state to receive flu vaccinations. The vaccinations are mandatory for all workers, students, trainees and volunteers who come into direct contact with patients, unless they have a medical exemption from their provider or if they are opposed to it and submit a form, according to the state health department.

Meanwhile, in Colorado, the state requires 60 percent hospital employees get flu vaccines. Although the state health mandate for all employees won't take effect for several years, hospitals, including Denver Health Medical Center, Centura Health and Banner Health, are threatening to suspend and fire employees who refuse the flu shot, CBS Denver reported.

In July, The Joint Commission required all accredited organizations to have an annual flu vaccination program for staff. Report