From: Lisa M. DeLong, NYS DOH EMSP
Sent: Monday, September 21, 2009 1:46 PM
Subject: EMS Vaccinations

A formal response from our Division of Legal affairs was recieved in answer to some vaccination questions

1. Are EMS personnel mandated to recieve seasonal flu vaccination under the recently inacted healthcare facility regulations?

EMS personnel who work for a hospital owned ambulance service or ALS first response service must be vaccinated for seasonal flu. EMS services who contract with a hospital to provide transport of hospital patients are mandated to have a flu vaccination. EMS services that respond in the 9-1-1 system and do not have a formal relationship with a hospital as described above are not required to be vaccinated.

2. Does the mandate include HINI?

Yes. As soon as HINI vaccine is available EMS personnel that fit the above criteria in question one will be mandated to have HINI vaccination. They are also required to have regular seasonal flu vaccination.

3. Should all other EMS personnel who have patient contact be vaccinated?

Yes. While it is not mandated, EMS personnel have been identified by HHS as a high prioriy group to be vaccinated. It is highly recommended by the NYS Department of Health that all healthcare workers who work with patients, including EMS, be vaccinated with seasonal flu vaccine and HINI vaccine.