Flu season has begun; masking requirements now in place for unvaccinated employees

Influenza season has begun in Middle Tennessee, with both confirmed cases of influenza and clinic visits for influenza-like illness on the rise. As per VUMC policy, all faculty, housestaff, and employees who have received an exemption from influenza vaccination should now start to wear a surgical mask until the influenza season has ended. The Department of Infection Prevention also recommends that those who have not yet been vaccinated and do not have an exemption to also wear a mask until you are vaccinated.

For details on when and where to wear these masks, please refer to the FAQ document located on the Department of Infection Prevention website (here). Infection Prevention will continue to monitor activity and provide updates as the season progresses, including the formal notification of the end of influenza detection (and the time for masking). 

 For information on how to protect yourself and your patients from influenza, check the Department of Infection Prevention’s website, www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/infectioncontrol.