MultiCare's proposed plan will give vaccinated nurses a special red badge while requiring unvaccinated nurses to wear a surgical mask at all times while on duty. WSNA has expressed concern about MultiCare's insistence on the use of masks despite a lack of research supporting their efficacy in the prevention of influenza transmission.

"This is about protecting nurses, patients and their families and creating the safest environment for patient care. There are no studies definitively showing that the use of masks by health care personnel, whether vaccinated or not, prevents influenza transmission. In fact, masks can give a false sense of security for nurses, patients and their families. Unfortunately, MultiCare's focus on masks is not based on evidence or research. There is no single answer to keeping our patients and health care providers healthy this flu season. We are committed to a variety of approaches to educate our members and the public about the importance of vaccination and other preventive measures. Combating the flu will require coordination and collaboration among many stakeholders and WSNA is already actively engaged in these efforts," added Frye.

SOURCE Washington State Nurses Association