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Rhode Island, the nation?s smallest state, has taken a big step toward protecting the public?s health by mandating that all health care workers who have direct contact with patients be vaccinated against seasonal influenza.
The requirement, issued by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health, marks the nation?s first statewide mandate of flu shots for health professionals. In other states, flu vaccine mandates have been set by individual employers, such as hospitals and health care centers.
The Rhode Island mandate took effect Oct. 26, as the 2012-13 flu season was starting. State health officials hope the move will lead to a shorter flu season with fewer people infected.
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The requirement, issued by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health, marks the nation?s first statewide mandate of flu shots for health professionals. In other states, flu vaccine mandates have been set by individual employers, such as hospitals and health care centers.
The Rhode Island mandate took effect Oct. 26, as the 2012-13 flu season was starting. State health officials hope the move will lead to a shorter flu season with fewer people infected.
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