Field Employee Immunization and TB Screening

Effective:          12-31-23

Supersedes:     06-04-21

Purpose: This policy establishes the immunization and TB Screening requirements for operations employees.  COVID and Influenza Vaccination Requirements are covered by separate policies.

Policy: In accordance with CDC Guidelines, healthcare personnel should be screened for TB upon hire (i.e. preplacement).  The local health department should be notified immediately if TB disease is suspected.   Annual TB testing of health care personnel is not recommended unless there is a known exposure or ongoing transmission. 

Definition(s):

TB Screening:  Tuberculin skin test: The TB skin test (also called the Mantoux tuberculin skin test) is performed by injecting a small amount of fluid (called tuberculin) into the skin in the lower part of the arm. A person given the tuberculin skin test must return within (48) to (72) hours to have a trained health care worker look for a reaction on the arm.

Positive Skin Test: This means the person’s body was infected with TB bacteria. Additional tests are needed to determine if the person has latent TB infection or TB disease.

Negative skin test: This means the person’s body did not react to the test, and that latent TB infection or TB disease is not likely.

Serologic proof of immunity: Blood tests demonstrating immunity.

Provider-certified history of disease: Notation from an employee’s primary care provider (MD, DO, NP, PA, etc.) certifying that the employee has had the disease in question.

Procedure:

Pre-hire: Candidates for employment are required to provide proof of screenings and vaccination (or provider certified evidence of disease) for the vaccines listed in Table 1 prior to beginning new hire orientation.  Human Resources is responsible for obtaining documentation from candidates during the onboarding process.

Current Employees: Field operations employees are required to provide proof of vaccination (or provider certified evidence of disease) for the vaccinations listed in Table 1 according to the recommended schedule of vaccination(s).

Signed declination forms are required for employees that do not wish to receive a vaccination.

The Human Resources and Clinical Departments are responsible for notification of the due date for documentation to each employee.

Each employee is responsible for providing the required documentation to the Human Resources and Clinical Departments in a timely manner as required by the policy.

Third (3^rd) Riders: Students are required to comply with this policy. Compliance may be confirmed by the presence of an MOU with the affiliated program stating that program students or interns comply with the policy. Education is responsible for obtaining documentation from affiliated programs or individuals in compliance with this policy.

Employee Questions Regarding Vaccination and/or Screening: Employees should contact the Designated Infection Control Officer (DICO@BrewsterAmbulance.com). The DICO is responsible for answering questions regarding this policy or directing the employee to the proper resource to answer their questions.

NOTE: Employees may decline any vaccination they choose not to receive. However, signing a vaccine declination may prohibit an employee from working in certain assignments and may result in a change of work status or termination of employment.

TABLE 1 (Based on ACIP recommendations for adult immunization)

*screening may not be declined / vaccine declination may result in a change of status or termination of employment

Employee Options for Policy Compliance

Provide provider certified certification of vaccination or history of disease.  (Bring this form to your PCP and have it filled out and send to Human Resources), or Provide a signed declination form to Human Resources.  Forms must be signed and dated by the employee.  Submit completed form to Human Resources email hr@brewsterambulance.com

CDC TB Fact Sheet: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/general/tb.htm