Some cities and counties in California are requiring healthcare workers, including individuals who work at dental practices, to receive their flu vaccination, according to the California Dental Association.
Here are six things to know about the mandate and best practices for dental offices:
- The CDC recommends that all individuals six months and older receive the updated flu vaccine in September or October this year and that providers begin their vaccination efforts as soon as possible.
- Alameda County, Madera County, San Joaquin County, San Luis Obispo County and the city of Berkeley have all mandated that dental practice workers get a flu shot.
- Even though the statewide mandate for COVID-19 vaccinations ended in 2022, cities and counties continue to enforce local vaccination orders.
- Generally, private employers are allowed to mandate vaccinations.
- Dentists can help educate patients on vaccinations, using the vaccine promotion resources for dental teams developed by the CDA Foundation.
- California dentists have the ability to administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines in their practices if they have completed continuing education courses on the topic.