Pasadena Orders Flu Shots or Masks for Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers throughout Pasadena must get flu shots or wear masks in patient areas under a new order issued by the city’s health officer.

The mandate took effect Nov. 1 and applies to hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and other healthcare facilities.

Acting Health Officer Dr. Parveen Kaur issued the order Oct. 8 requiring all healthcare personnel to receive annual influenza vaccination for the current respiratory virus season.

Workers who decline vaccination must sign written declarations. They must then wear masks in all patient-care areas.

Skilled nursing facilities face stricter requirements. All staff there must mask regardless of vaccination status, the order said.

Kaur cited “the nature of care provided to highly vulnerable populations” and “the high risk of rapid respiratory virus transmission” in nursing homes.

Influenza vaccination rates among nursing home staff dropped below 50% for the 2024-2025 flu season.

The order requires “a well-fitting face covering” throughout the respiratory virus season. That period runs from Nov. 1 through April 30.

It is “highly recommended” that staff in other healthcare facilities wear masks regardless of vaccination status, the order said.

Pasadena has required flu vaccination or masking since October 2013.

The order affects acute care hospitals, emergency medical services, dialysis centers and home health agencies. Adult day care centers, hospice facilities and clinics also fall under the mandate.

Studies show up to 25% of healthcare workers contract influenza each season. Unvaccinated staff can transmit the virus to vulnerable patients.

“Young children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and persons with chronic health conditions who are immunocompromised are at greater risk for serious influenza and COVID-19 complications,” Dr. Kaur said in the order.

Those complications include hospitalization, admission to the intensive care unit, intubation or mechanical ventilation, or death, the order said.

The order strongly urges all healthcare workers to get updated COVID-19 vaccines. But it does not mandate coronavirus vaccination.

Healthcare-associated respiratory infections prove more severe than community cases. They increase hospital stays and mortality rates.

Facilities must report vaccination rates if requested by the health department. The order remains in effect for future respiratory virus seasons unless rescinded.