Associates will be required to submit proof of influenza vaccination. Proof of vaccination must be submitted on or before November 10, 2023. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get an influenza vaccine by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated early (for example, in July or August) is likely to be associated with reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season, particularly among older adults.

Consistent with our process last year, associates identified as fully remote, or who work exclusively in non-clinical office locations, are not required to receive the flu vaccine. This is our standardized annual process, and influenza is not considered a pandemic. Associates with this remote designation will receive a notification email; there is no action required. However, for the health and safety of Ascension's workforce, Ascension strongly recommends that all associates receive the flu vaccine regardless of position status. 

Associates with a previously approved full-year religious or medical exemption request for the influenza vaccine do not need to reapply. Associates who wish to submit an exemption request for the 2023-2024 influenza vaccine on the basis of a medical contraindication, a sincerely held religious belief, or general exemption from the influenza vaccine may submit requests using the electronic submission process via myHR. Associates requesting a new exemption or who previously received a temporary medical exemption request will need to submit a vaccine exemption request by Oct. 1, 2023. This year, associates can also seek a general exemption from the influenza vaccine where permitted by state law. 

In order to further mitigate the risk of transmission of influenza, all associates granted an exemption and who work in a clinical setting, will be required to wear a mask during the flu season from November 10th to March 31st in accordance with Ascension procedures and any applicable Federal, State, or Local laws.

Should an associate’s remote work status change, associates should contact their local Associate Occupational Health (AOH) department to make necessary arrangements to receive the flu vaccine.

You can go to an Ascension AOH site or an AOH-sponsored event, where your receipt of the vaccine is automatically documented.

You can also receive your vaccine at an Ascension Medical Group physician office, Ascension urgent care location, Ascension Rx pharmacy or from a non-Ascension provider or pharmacy.

Associates will be able to submit external vaccine documentation to AOH beginning in September by following the below steps.

Associates and others who are vaccinated at an Ascension AOH site or an AOH-sponsored event will already have their vaccination status on record with AOH.

Associates who have been vaccinated through other providers, such as an Ascension Medical Group practice, Ascension Urgent Care, Ascension Rx pharmacy, or a non-Ascension provider or pharmacy, must submit proof of influenza vaccination to Associate Health via My Health Portal. Instructions to upload are linked here.

QR Code to access the My Health Portal in ReadySet, Associate Occupational Health EHR.

Associates with a previously approved full-year religious or medical exemption request for the influenza vaccine do not need to reapply.

Associates with a previously approved full-year religious or medical exemption request for the influenza vaccine do not need to reapply. Associates who wish to submit an exemption request for the 2023-2024 influenza vaccine on the basis of a medical contraindication, a sincerely held religious belief, or general exemption from the influenza vaccine may submit requests using the electronic submission process via myHR. Associates requesting a new exemption or who previously received a temporary medical exemption request will need to submit a vaccine exemption request by Oct. 1, 2023. This year, associates can also seek a general exemption from the influenza vaccine where permitted by state law.

In order to further mitigate the risk of transmission of influenza, all associates granted an exemption and who work in a clinical setting, will be required to wear a mask during the flu season from November 10th to March 31st in accordance with Ascension procedures and any applicable Federal, State, or Local laws. 

Absent undue hardship, Ascension will provide reasonable accommodations to those persons seeking religious or medical exemption:

• Medical exemption requests must include supporting medical documentation signed by a licensed healthcare provider who is providing ongoing medical care for the associate. The documentation must include information articulating the nature of the health condition that the treating provider considers a contraindication for the influenza vaccine.
• The exemption determination will be communicated to the associate and direct supervisor via email 

For Ascension associates who want to  submit a request for a religious, medical, or general  exemption, please click here.

For Licensed Independent Providers, please click here.

To view Ascension AOH vaccine clinics in your area, click on your ministry link below:

Many Ascension Rx retail pharmacies are available to administer COVID-19 & Influenza vaccines (as well as other immunizations) in 2023-2024.

For additional questions and resources, visit the Associate Occupational Health website.