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County proposes new employee immunization program to replace 2014 policy, seeks broader countywide application
Summary
Health department and MedAct staff proposed a countywide update to the direct patient care and client contact employee immunization program to replace the 2014 policy and align county practice with current medical recommendations.
Johnson County public health staff and MedAct presented a proposed replacement to the county’s direct patient care and client contact employee immunization program, aiming to update a 2014 policy to reflect current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, modern staffing structures and new vaccines.
Charlie Hunt, presenting for the Department of Health and Environment, said the current policy lists specific job titles that have since changed or been reorganized and does not provide the flexibility needed as recommendations and vaccines evolve. “The current immunization policy was adopted in 2014 by BOCC resolution number 068‑14,” Hunt said. He described a new policy designed to be countywide, allowing other departments with client‑facing employees to adopt department‑level procedures in consultation with medical directors and the county clinical leadership.
Hunt and staff described that human resources and the health services division have developed an electronic record system tied to Oracle for secure immunization tracking, with reminder capabilities for boosters and additional doses. The proposal would maintain established processes for medical accommodation and sincerely held religious belief exemptions that are already in county practice.
Commissioners asked about ensuring decisions rely on medical science not politics; Hunt replied that the county would consult CDC guidance and other leading medical organizations and that the county medical director would make determinations about policy changes. Commissioners also asked whether an employee handbook signature or onboarding acknowledgment exists for policies; staff said they have onboarding and orientation and would confirm whether a signature is required, and agreed to follow up.
Next steps: the proposed replacement policy (Resolution 089‑25) will be returned for formal board action and staff will follow up on onboarding acknowledgement and how medical recommendations will be applied in practice.
