Wallace encourages employees to get annual flu shot to protect those around them

September 29, 2015

Each fall, Texas Children’s President and CEO Mark A. Wallace rolls up his shirt sleeve and gets an annual flu shot to protect himself, you, the patients we serve, and his family – especially his young grandchildren – against a potentially deadly infection. As an employee of one of the best pediatric hospitals in the nation, Wallace is asking you to do the same.

“We ask you to get your flu shot to protect yourself, and to protect those around you who really depend on you to be healthy,” he said. “When you’re healthy, the patients in our care – children and women – have a much better chance of leaving here without getting sicker.”

“Being healthy also allows you to be here for your team and coworkers during one of our busiest times of the year,” Wallace said. “But most importantly, when you get vaccinated, there’s much less chance you’ll get the flu and pass it on to the people you love, like your precious children, your spouse and others you care for.”

Texas Children’s is offering free flu shots to all Texas Children’s employees, Baylor College of Medicine employees working in Texas Children’s facilities, Texas Children’s medical staff and volunteers. Employee Health is administering free flu vaccinations from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 29 and 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, October 2 on The Auxiliary Bridge.

Click here to view dates and locations for your vaccination. If you are unable to make one of these dates, please make an appointment at the Employee Health clinic, located on the fifth floor of the Abercrombie Building near the yellow elevators, after Thursday, October 1. If you have questions, please call Employee Health at Ext. 4-2150. West Campus Employee Health is located on the campus’ second floor and can be reached at Ext. 7-1365.

Last year, Texas Children’s achieved a 90 percent vaccination rate. We want to reach or exceed that rate this year. As a reminder, employees should be in compliance by Tuesday, December 1. Additional information about our vaccination policy and procedures can be found here and here.

Leaders can run reports for their area(s) via the Health and Wellness portal. Individuals who would like to view and/or print their immunization records can click here for instructions on how to access that portal.

“Protect yourself, and protect those around you,” Wallace said. “It’s a simple act that could save the life of someone you love.”