Occupational Health Immunizations

Influenza spreads throughout the US every year, usually between October and May. Anyone can get the flu. There are many flu viruses, and they are always changing. Each year a new flu vaccine is made to protect against the influenza viruses believed to be likely to cause disease in the upcoming flu season. Even when the vaccine doesn’t exactly match these viruses, it may still provide some protection. Influenza vaccine does not cause flu. Vaccination is recommended  every flu season for everyone 6 months and older.

Those who work with potentially infected animals may be at higher risk for Rabies exposure. Vaccination is recommended to help prevent rabies if an exposure happens. If you are at higher risk of work-related exposure to the rabies virus:

• You should receive 2 doses of rabies vaccine given on days 0 and 7 before starting work if you have no history of prior immunization.
• Depending on your level of risk, you may be advised to have one or more blood tests or receive a booster dose within 3 years after the first 2 doses. Your health care provider can give you more details.

Rabies vaccine can prevent rabies if given to a person after an exposure. If you experience a work-related exposure, seek treatment immediately at the Health Center or the closest emergency room. If it is after hours, go to the closest ER.

If your position has been identified as one in which there is exposure to blood and body fluids, we recommend you complete the Hepatitis B vaccine series (two doses 30-days apart) for protection from this blood-borne infection. For an appointment call 301.405.3153.

Please complete and sign the consent form below and upload to myuhc.umd.edu with a message to Rebekah Giannakos. If you are declining vaccination, please mark decline on the form and sign and upload it to myuhc.umd.edu.

Tdap vaccine can protect us from Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis. All three are serious diseases caused by bacteria. Although rare, depending upon the nature of your work and occupational hazards, you may be at risk for exposure to the bacteria that causes Tetanus through cuts, scratches, wounds, or severe burns. It is important to know when you were last vaccinated and to report injuries to assess if a booster is needed. An updated Tetanus booster may also be a requirement for your work. For an appointment call 301.405.3153.