Vaccines in the Workplace
Vaccination is important for protecting public health, especially in the workplace where employees may interact with vulnerable populations on a daily basis. In Maine, there are laws and recommendations to ensure workplace safety through immunization.
Maine Health Care Worker Immunization Requirements
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has outlined immunization requirements for health care workers. The following individuals are required to be vaccinated:
Health Care Workers in These Facilities:
- Hospitals
- Nursing facilities
- Residential care facilities
- Intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities
- Multi-level healthcare facilities
- Home health agencies
Included Groups:
- Employees: All staff employed by these facilities who do not work exclusively remotely and have potential contact with other staff, patients, or visitors.
- Contractors: Non-employee individuals who provide direct services or other work in these facilities.
- Volunteers: Those who regularly participate in activities within the facility with potential contact.
Required Immunizations:
- Rubeola (Measles): Two doses of live measles vaccine given after the first birthday, with a minimum of four weeks separating the two doses.
- Mumps: Two doses of live mumps vaccine given after the first birthday.
- Rubella (German Measles): Two doses of live rubella vaccine given after the first birthday.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): Two doses of live varicella vaccine given after the first birthday, with a minimum of four weeks separating the two doses.
- Hepatitis B: Fully completed series of either two or three doses of hepatitis B vaccine. If a two-dose series, then the second dose must be given one month after the first dose. If a three-dose series, the second dose must be given one month after the first dose and five months must separate the second and third doses.
- Influenza: Annual dose of inactivated influenza vaccine or live attenuated influenza vaccine.
Employer Responsibilities:
- Ensure all workers meet immunization requirements as defined by law.
- Maintain accurate records of immunization or immunity status.
- Exclude individuals without proper immunization or exemptions during public health emergencies or outbreaks.
For more, refer to the rule: Immunization Requirements for Health Care Workers -- Chapter 264.
Vaccination Policies for Non-Health Care Workplaces
Non-health care workplaces in Maine are encouraged to:
Promote Vaccination:
- Offer on-site vaccination clinics or collaborate with local health care providers.
- Educate employees about the benefits of vaccination.
- Offer incentives for vaccination.
Develop Policies:
- Establish clear vaccination policies as part of workplace safety programs.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA guidelines
OSHA and Workplace Safety Guidelines
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to ensure a safe workplace. For industries with high exposure risk, employers should:
- Encourage Vaccination: Employers should support vaccination by offering paid time off.
- Adopt Policies: Employers can require vaccination or regular testing with safety measures like masks.
- Provide PPE: Employers must offer protective equipment, such as masks, for unvaccinated or at-risk workers.
- Follow State Rules: Some state may have stricter requirements.
Visit www.OSHA.gov to learn more.