N.Y. hospital staffs must get flu shot or wear mask

In an effort to limit the flu in the upcoming season, the New York Health Department is requiring thousands of medical staff and other personnel statewide to get vaccinated or wear masks when in close contact with patients. The rules, adopted in July, apply to more than 4,000 healthcare organizations statewide, and cover physicians, contractors, students, and volunteers as well as others. The rules will apply when officials determine influenza is prevalent. Last year, the flu was widespread from November 24, 2012 to April 20, 2013, department monitoring showed.

Healthcare facilities are required to document their compliance and the vaccination status of all employees. The rules carry no immediate penalties or sanctions, and don’t apply to hospital visitors like patients' families, though the department said hospitals and nursing homes are in the best position to determine appropriate restrictions during influenza season.