Pediatricians endorses mandatory flu vaccinations for doctors, nurses, other health workers

Group backs mandatory flu vaccinations for doctors

CHICAGO — The nation’s largest pediatricians’ group is endorsing mandatory flu vaccinations for doctors, nurses and other health workers.

In a new policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics says mandatory vaccination for health workers is needed to protect patients. The group says it’s ethically justified and long overdue.

According to the academy, voluntary vaccination programs just haven’t worked. Too many health workers still shun annual flu vaccinations. And evidence shows some have passed flu along to patients.

The academy says it should be up to hospitals to devise mandatory vaccination programs and enforce them.