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Health Systems To Require Influenza Vaccinations For Employees

Today, South Dakota’s three largest hospitals jointly announced that they are taking a step to protect individuals from a dangerous and contagious disease. Starting this flu season, Avera, Sanford and Regional Health will require yearly vaccinations against influenza for all employees, health care providers and volunteers.

Doctor David Klocke is with Regional Health.

"It’s very unique," says Klocke. "I don’t know if anything like this has ever happened in any other state for all the major healthcare systems in the state to all come together like this and require influenza vaccines so we’re very proud of that."

Klocke says along with proper hygiene, the larger number of people immunized will protect medical staff and patients from catching the disease.