Successful mandatory influenza vaccination program highlights Vidant Health's commitment to patient safety | Eastern NC Now

For Immediate Release:

    GREENVILLE     Vidant Health completed its first mandatory influenza vaccination program in November, and more than 99.9 percent of Vidant Health employees across the system received the vaccine.

    Vidant Health joined a growing number of hospitals and health systems across the country implementing mandatory vaccine programs. While patient safety was the driving force behind the policy, the employee participation rate demonstrates the commitment and dedication to providing the safest care. Workers at all Vidant Health sites, including doctors, nurses and housekeepers, participated at this rate. Vendors and other workers not employed by Vidant Health, yet who work in Vidant Health facilities, were required to have the vaccination as well.

    "The embracing of this vaccination program by the physicians and staff of Vidant Health shows our commitment to decreasing the spread of Influenza to our patients, their families and visitors, as well as to the community at large," said Dr. Keith Ramsey, medical director of infection control at Vidant Medical Center.

    Residents in eastern North Carolina can join the 12,000 Vidant Health employees in the fight against influenza by receiving the vaccine and taking preventive measures at home, like frequent hand-washing and staying home when sick.


   Contact: Carissa Etters, Strategic Development, (252) 847-0413 or Carissa.Etters@VidantHealth.com or Doug Boyd, East Carolina University News Services, (252) 744-2482 or boydd@ecu.edu

    Vidant Health, a mission-driven, not-for-profit corporation, owns, leases or has a majority membership interest in nine eastern North Carolina hospitals and has a management agreement with one other. The health system includes Albemarle Health, Vidant Beaufort Hospital, Vidant Bertie Hospital, Vidant Chowan Hospital, Vidant Duplin Hospital, Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, The Outer Banks Hospital, Vidant Medical Center, Vidant Pungo Hospital, Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Vidant Home Health and Hospice, Vidant Wellness Centers, Vidant Medical Group and is affiliated with the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. On the web at www.vidanthealth.com.