The Hazard Exposure Assessment (HEA) form is used to determine whether an employee is required to participate in immunization screening and tuberculosis (TB) surveillance programs. Employees must complete an HEA form upon hire and once a year thereafter.
Employees may receive vaccinations and/or TB testing during employee health clinics. The dates of these clinics are listed in the Center News newsletter and on Employee Health Clinics.
If necessary, an employee may contact the Occupational Health Program directly at 206.667.3474 to schedule an appointment.
The purpose of immunization screening and TB surveillance is to protect the health of patients, staff and volunteers. All required immunization screening and TB surveillance is provided free of charge to staff and volunteers. Staff and volunteers who are required to participate in the programs can send immunization documents to the OHNs at mail stop J3-200 or to the confidential fax number at 206.667.3467.
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is the major infectious hazard for healthcare and research personnel. The Hepatitis B vaccine series and titer is offered to all staff whose work involves the potential for exposure to blood and/or other potentially infectious material.
If an employee with potential exposure declines the vaccine series, he or she must sign a Hepatitis B Declination form. If the employee changes his or her mind in the future and requests the Hepatitis B vaccine series and titer, it is offered by Fred Hutch if the employee's work still involves the potential for exposure to blood and/or other potentially infectious material.
Tetanus, or lockjaw, is caused by a germ that enters the body through a cut or wound. Tetanus diphtheria (Td) vaccine is required of all Animal Health Department employees who have not had a tetanus booster in the past ten years.
Tetanus diphtheria (Td) vaccine is offered to, but not required of, employees who:
1. Have potential for exposure to live animals or animal tissues and who have not had a tetanus booster in the past ten years; and
2. Sustain a work-related laceration or puncture wound and who have not had a tetanus booster in the last five years.
To reduce the spread of influenza to and from patients and employees, and to reduce staff illnesses and absenteeism during the influenza season, the influenza vaccine is offered to staff, volunteers, and Hutch Kids employees subject to CDC guidelines.
Principal investigators who wish to use vaccinia (smallpox) must contact the Occupational Health Program at 206.667.3474 to determine whether a vaccinia vaccination is needed. If required, vaccinations are coordinated through the Occupational Health Nurse.
Staff and volunteers whose workspace is located in the SCCA building, or who have face-to-face interaction with SCCA patients as part of their jobs, must meet the following immunization requirements. (Interaction with SCCA patients does not include incidental contact with patients such as entering the SCCA building, riding on the elevator with patients, accessing the garage, attending meetings in the SCCA, etc.)
1. Rubeola (Measles)
Acceptable evidence of immunity to rubeola includes one of the following:
Note: Employees and volunteers who have negative rubeola titers without documentation of prior rubeola or MMR vaccines must receive two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines. Those who can provide documentation of prior rubeola or MMR vaccines must receive one MMR vaccine.
2. Mumps
Acceptable evidence of immunity to mumps includes one of the following:
Note: Employees and volunteers who have negative mumps titers without documentation of prior mumps or MMR vaccines must receive two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines. Those who can provide documentation of prior mumps or MMR vaccines must receive one MMR vaccine.
3. Rubella
Acceptable evidence of immunity to rubella includes one of the following:
4. Varicella (Chickenpox)
a. Acceptable evidence of immunity to varicella includes one of the following:
b. If the history of Varicella (Chickenpox) disease is negative or questionable, individuals must obtain a Varicella titer through the Occupational Health Program. If the Varicella titer is negative, individuals must receive two Varicella vaccines, or sign the Varicella waiver if declining.
c. In 2008, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended Zostavax for use in people 60 years of age and older to prevent herpes zoster (zoster) (i.e. shingles) and its sequelae. Zoster is a localized, generally painful cutaneous eruption that occurs most frequently among older adults and immunocompromised persons. It is caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) decades after initial VZV infection is established.
5. Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
A single dose booster of Tdap vaccine is required for people between the ages of 19 and 64 to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.
6. Influenza
Influenza vaccine is offered to staff and volunteers as available, and as recommended by the respective Influenza Season guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although influenza vaccine is not required, completion of the Influenza Vaccination Status Form is mandatory for all employees. Completion of this form is required annually for all employees.
7. Titers and Declinations
Individuals who do not have immunization records must have the appropriate titers drawn. Individuals who choose not to be vaccinated against Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, or Tdap must sign the corresponding waiver forms. These individuals may be furloughed off of work during the period when there is a known or suspected case of these diseases in the SCCA Clinic. If susceptible individuals become exposed to these diseases, they may be furloughed off of work during the communicable period to prevent the possibility of infecting other staff and patients. The decision of furlough is at the discretion of the SCCA Infection Control Physician and/or designee. Furlough will be leave without pay (LWOP) unless the employee chooses to use accrued vacation and/or unused personal holidays during this period.
Staff and volunteers whose workspace is located in the SCCA building, or who have face-to-face interaction with SCCA patients as part of their jobs, must participate in the TB Surveillance program. (Interaction with SCCA patients does not include incidental contact with patients such as entering the SCCA building, riding on the elevator with patients, accessing the garage, attending meetings in the SCCA, etc.)
TB surveillance is also required of SCCA or Fred Hutch Staff whose work activity includes:
Employees and volunteers who must participate in TB surveillance must meet the following requirements: