Christian Health on Honor Roll for 100% Influenza Vaccine Immunization Compliance

Rising rates of the influenza (flu) virus and a recent New Jersey pediatric death from flu, resulted in a statement from New Jersey Commissioner of Health, Shereef Elnaha MD, MBA, about the importance of New Jersey health-care providers taking action to protect our communities with strict flu-vaccination policies. Christian Health (CHCC) is leading the way as a positive example of a health-care provider taking strong measures to minimize exposure to the flu virus on both of its campuses in Wyckoff and Wayne, NJ.

CHCC achieved 100-percent staff and active volunteer compliance of its annual flu-vaccination policy by December 15, 2018 and has recently been identified as an Honor Roll Facility by the Immunization Action Coalition, a national group that tracks and reports on hospital and long-term care facility flu-vaccination outcomes. CHCC cares for the most vulnerable in our communities, and the services provided require robust, round-the-clock health safety and infection-control measures during flu season.

“We understand and adhere to many important steps in order to minimize exposure to the flu virus by going above and beyond the necessary precautions within our comprehensive policy. As a condition of employment and service, all staff and active volunteers are required to receive the flu vaccination annually, which is available from CHCC at no cost, or wear a protective face mask if they are exempt due to religious reasons or because of a chronic health condition,” says Douglas A. Struyk, CPA, LNHA, CHCC President and CEO.

CHCC employs over 900 staff and engages over 100 active volunteers in varying capacities to deliver clinical, administrative, and other support services to over 1,000 residents, patient, clients, and consumers throughout three different campuses in two counties on any given day. CHCC staff and volunteers provide care through assisted living, skilled nursing, adult day, hospice, inpatient/outpatient short-term rehab, and a complete continuum of mental-health services, including an inpatient psychiatric hospital accredited by The Joint Commission.

“While we have actively encouraged all staff and volunteers to be immunized against the flu for many years and have regularly achieved a significant and positive response, we are especially proud to have established a track record of 100-percent compliance for the second consecutive year.” says Aijazali Nanjiani, MD, CHCC Medical Staff President.

At CHCC, an internal flu-compliance committee is actively engaged in advancing necessary practices to achieve and maintain compliance will all aspects of the flu vaccination policy. The team collaborates with CHCC Medical and Nursing staff in monitoring the health of patients, residents, clients, and consumers served by CHCC, as well as their care providers.

In addition to CHCC’s flu-vaccination policy, additional precautions are encouraged, practiced, and the subject of regular reminders to staff and volunteers to practice appropriate hand hygiene, cover coughs, and to refrain from coming on campus with cold and flu-like symptoms.

About Christian Health

CHCC provides a broad continuum of high-quality, compassionate care, offering superior senior-life, short-term rehab, and mental-health services. As a non-profit organization, we deliver Person- and Family-centered Care to our community based upon the Christian principles on which we were founded more than a century ago. For more information, visit ChristianHealthCare.org.