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UTAH COUNTY -- Can you force someone to get a flu shot the way you would make sure required immunizations like measles and polio are up to date for health care workers? That's the question facing Utah County leaders this week.
The Utah County Health Department wants all of its employees to be fully vaccinated, but there's been a small percentage of workers that opted out of a flu shot.
The department is now rolling out a policy that says if you don't get vaccinated you have to wear a mask that blocks airborne germs, if you work around infants or people with weakened immune systems.
The Daily Herald reports county commissioner Gary Anderson does not like the policy, saying if a patient gets sick from a non-vaccinated employee the county could be held liable.
A spokesperson for the health department says their vaccination policy is still preliminary and they could require all newly-hired employees to be fully vaccinated.
The policy is still being discussed, but for now employees that have opted to not be fully immunized will either wear the mask or work in a an area away from vulnerable patients.
