The Rhode Island Department of Health now requires seasonal flu vaccines for all health care workers, including volunteers, who have direct patient contact. Health care workers may obtain a medical exemption from the requirement. Health care workers also may refuse to be vaccinated, but they must provide written notice of their refusal to their employer prior to December 15th of each year. However, during any declared period of widespread flu outbreak, unvaccinated workers must wear surgical facemasks whenever they have direct patient contact, or face a fine. The Service Employees International Union New England, No. 1199, which represents health care workers in Rhode Island, has objected to the new vaccination requirement as a violation of the rights of providers and is considering whether to challenge it.
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