SPRINGFIELD, IL— Legislation sponsored by State Senator William Delgado (D-Chicago) will ensure that health care workers are able to be vaccinated against the seasonal flu or other new viruses. 

“We must ensure that our health care workers remain healthy, especially during flu season,” said Senator Delgado, Chairman of the Public Health Committee. “Health care workers can not take care of others if they are ill themselves.”

House Bill 342 amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Act to require any health care facility licensed by the Department to implement an influenza vaccination program that makes sure that employees of the facility receive vaccinations against seasonal flu and other new or pandemic flu virus as vaccines become available. 

The intent of this legislation is to ensure that health care workers receive flu vaccinations. 

According to the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 40%-50% of health care workers are vaccinated each year.  The Department of Public Health contends that other studies indicate that at least 70% of health care workers continue to work, even though, they have the flu. The decision of health care workers to continue their duties jeopardizes the health of fellow co-workers and patients.

This legislation has passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives and now goes to the Governor for his consideration.