SONOMA COUNTY (CBS SF) – Sonoma County’s health authorities are expanding the requirement to receive this year’s flu shot to include all geriatric and home care workers.

According to the health officer Dr. Sundari Mase’s ordinance, the revised requirement applies to employees in adult and elderly care facilities, home and home nurses, hospice workers, and employees in regional centers serving people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

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Employees in the above sectors must receive the flu vaccine by November 30th. Officials said workers given medical exemption or religious precautions from the flu vaccination must wear a surgical mask or respirator when working indoors.

Last month, the county made compulsory flu vaccinations for doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care workers, with a deadline of November 15.

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Mase expanded the contract due to concerns about a possible surge in influenza and COVID-19 patients in hospitals this winter.

“Now that we have a vaccine against COVID-19, we know that many people plan holiday meetings with other people who have been vaccinated. But the COVID vaccine won’t reduce your chances of getting the flu or spreading it to others, ”Mase said. “If we all get a flu shot, it will help keep people away from the hospital and free up our doctors and nurses to care for the sick in our community.”

Officials said the flu vaccine is widely used by health care providers, clinics, pharmacies and some COVID-19 vaccination centers. Both the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine can be safely received on the same date.

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Employees covered by the expanded regulation must also get COVID-19 vaccinations by the California Department of Health by the end of November.

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