Influenza activity is on the rise in South Jersey. This information is supported by surveillance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and New Jersey Department of Health, data mined by our infection preventionists, and Cooper’s own experience, which shows an increase in patients with influenza-like symptoms in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Therefore, we have declared that flu season has officially started today, Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
The start of influenza season means that any team member who has not received an influenza vaccination is required to wear a surgical or procedural mask when in direct contact with patients and in common areas of clinical buildings, regardless of the clinical masking level, in accordance with New Jersey state law and the Cooper Influenza Vaccination Policy.
Although the deadline for receiving a flu vaccine was December 18, 2023, we strongly encourage you to receive your vaccine as soon as possible, as the vaccine is still effective. Please call 856.342.2077 to schedule your flu vaccine with Employee Health. We also encourage our physicians and advanced practice providers to discuss and offer the flu vaccinations to qualifying patients.
Remember:
- Proper hand hygiene and good cough etiquette are the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of influenza and other infections.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) or COVID-like illness (CLI), refrain from coming to work. Kindly notify employee health and undergo testing for both flu and COVID-19.
- If you have received the flu vaccine at a location other than Cooper, please email your proof of vaccination to Flu@cooperhealth.edu.
- To request an exemption, please email Flu@cooperhealth.edu.
For questions regarding the start of the influenza season at Cooper, contact Infection Prevention at ext. 100.2254.
Thank you all for your continued vigilance in preventing the spread of influenza this season.