Workplace distribution of swine flu vaccine defended

In an effort to tamp down criticism of swine flu vaccine being provided to certain businesses, including Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup, a Centers for Disease Control official defends the practice of shipping small lots to workplaces as an efficient method of reaching high risk individuals. Employers who engage in the distribution should do so on a voluntary basis and pursuant to written informed consent. Better yet, contract with a third party healthcare provider to provide the service. Employers should be cognizant of discrimination issues previously posted here, and healthcare providers should check this out.

Flu update

Citing a shortage of vaccine, New York has decided mandatory vaccination of unwilling healthcare workers is a bad idea. OSHA has announced it will issue a compliance directive requiring healthcare providers to implement the Centers for Disease Control's Interim Guidance on Infection Control Measures.  The GAO also claims the intertubes will get clogged by the flu. The flu wary telecommuters will be slowed down because the rest of the sickies will be watching porn, playing games and otherwise wasting bandwidth needed to keep the economy working. "Increased demand during a severe pandemic could exceed the capacities of Internet providers’ access networks for residential users and interfere with teleworkers in the securities market and other sectors, according to a DHS study."

The EEOC has updated flu advice

The EEOC's technical assistance document for flu has been updated and expanded. There is a very informative Q. & A. section. Specific advice permits employers to send persons home with flu symtoms. Direction on what inquiries are appropriate is also provided.

Flu and the ADA

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has released a notice concerning ADA issues and influenza. The advisory includes an approved "ADA-Compliant Pre-Pandemic Employee Survey" concerning employees availability for work.

Feds issue flu guidelines and checklists for employers

The federal government has issued guidelines and checklists for employer to aid in preparing for and responding to an influenza pandemic.