After Measles Outbreak, Should Employers Require Vaccinations?

Lisa McGlynn’s article “After Measles Outbreak, Should Employers Require Vaccinations?” was featured in the Daily Business Review on March 11, 2015.

Over the last few months, employers have been inundated with news stories regarding the latest measles outbreak along with the never-ending vaccination debate. Indeed, more than 170 people in 17 states have been infected with measles this season, despite the fact that the disease was declared eradicated in the United States in 2000. Although there were no confirmed cases of measles in Florida, four people with the disease traveled through the state.

In the article, Lisa McGlynn discusses whether or not employers should require employees to be vaccinated after the measles outbreak dies down.

Lisa states, employers who would prefer their employees be up-to-date on all of their immunizations—but don't want to go so far as to actually mandate vaccinations—have many options to encourage vaccinations. One easy option is to inform employees their vaccinations will be paid for by the company. Some employers have found it beneficial to arrange for medical personal to provide vaccinations at work during business hours, or provide employees with time off to get their vaccinations. Further, educating employees on the benefits of vaccines, as well as on general best practices for a healthy work environment (such as good hand-washing techniques and staying home when contagious) may be the best way to prevent an outbreak at your business.

To read the full article, please visit Daily Business Review.