APIC-led coalition sends letter to state leaders urging promotion of science-based information to address vaccine hesitancy

Arlington, Va., October 6, 2023 – Citing an ‘ethical responsibility’ to protect patients and residents, a diverse coalition of 17 organizations representing the nation’s infection preventionists, public health professionals, and immunocompromised patients today voiced their strong support for requiring vaccination of healthcare personnel.

“We believe all Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)-recommended vaccines should be required for healthcare personnel providing services in any healthcare setting. This includes adherence to the most current ACIP COVID-19 vaccination recommendations,” reads the open letter which was sent by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and 16 other organizations.

Sent broadly to state and local government officials, healthcare employers, payers, and policy makers, the letter states that vaccination of healthcare personnel, “is a critical component of providing a safe environment for patients, visitors, and residents.”

The multi-society appeal comes at a fraught time when numerous states have bills that could limit a healthcare facility’s ability to require not only COVID-19 vaccines, but also other vaccines like influenza, measles, and varicella.

“Immunization is vital for maintaining a healthy workforce and also protecting patients, especially vulnerable populations,” said APIC President Patricia Jackson, MS, RN, CIC, FAPIC. “With flu season approaching and COVID-19 rates rising, now is the time to work together to spread accurate, science-based information about the effectiveness and safety of vaccines to help ensure our healthcare personnel are fully protected from vaccine-preventable infectious diseases and can provide safe care to individuals seeking medical attention.”

Signatories

Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC)

Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA)

Alpha-1 Foundation

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

American College Health Association

American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)

American Nurses Association

American Public Health Association

CLL Society

Family Voices NJ

Immune Deficiency Foundation

Immunize.org

Lupus and Allied Diseases Association, Inc.

National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care

National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)

SCID Angels For Life Foundation

SPAN Parent Advocacy Network

Surgical Infection Society

APIC

Founded in 1972, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is the leading association for infection preventionists and epidemiologists. With more than 15,000 members, APIC advances the science and practice of infection prevention and control. APIC carries out its mission through research, advocacy, and patient safety; education, credentialing, and certification; and fostering development of the infection prevention and control workforce of the future. Together with our members and partners, we are working toward a safer world through the prevention of infection. Join us and learn more at apic.org.

# # #

Media contacts: Aaron Cohen, aaroncohenpr@gmail.com; 301-633-6773