Santa Barbara County Public Health officials issued an order requiring all health care workers in the county to get flu shots.
The mandatory order affects doctors, nurses, support staff, and even volunteers who provide patient care, or work in patient care areas. They are at higher risk of contracting, and spreading influenza because of exposure to seriously ill people.
Health care facilities in Santa Barbara County have been given until November 1st to insure that affected workers are immunized. County officials say they won’t audit facilities to insure compliance, but expect them to do it voluntarily.
Workers who use religious or medical exemptions for not getting shots will be required to wear masks at all times in patient care areas.
