In this issue of LTC Connection, we wanted to let you know about the hard line SHEA is taking on flu vaccinations for healthcare employees. We're also giving you a heads-up on AAHSA's new name and shining a spotlight on our Wound Care Management product category.

According to the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), if you want to work in a healthcare facility, you should be ready to roll up your sleeve. The agency has released a position paper asserting that flu vaccination should be a condition of employment. A study conducted during the 2009 flu and H1N1 season found that 39% of healthcare workers had no intention of getting vaccinated. SHEA is arguing that not only does the vaccine help prevent caregivers from spreading flu to residents, it also reduces the likelihood that the caregivers will get sick and miss work, potentially impacting care. This vaccine mandate would ideally extend to everyone who works in a healthcare setting, not just those who have direct contact with residents. The only exception would be those people for whom the vaccine is medically contraindicated. The paper was published in Infection Control and Healthcare Epidemiology. To read it, click here. To view our original blog post on SHEA's position paper, click here. We've told you before that the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) was planning to change its name to LeadingAge because it felt the new moniker better reflected the group's role and internal vibrancy. The change was dependent upon a vote from AAHSA's membership. On Monday, August 30, AAHSA announced that approximately 40 percent of members cast their votes, with 85% voting for the name change and 15% voting against it. The new name will take effect in early 2011, the organization's 50th anniversary. The group will also begin using a new mission statement: "Expanding the world of possibilities for aging." To view our original blog post on AAHSA's name change, click here. Wound care is much more than just changing dressings. Different wounds require different care, and to successfully treat wounds, you need a thorough knowledge of the products available to you. ProMed offers a comprehensive line of advanced wound care products from the best brands on the market. Our Wound Care Management products include: •   Nonpowered Mattresses & Surfaces •   Powered Mattresses & Surfaces •   Seating & Positioning •   Heel & Elbow Protectors •   Compression & Support Stocking •   Wound Care Cleansers, Debriders & NPWT •   Hydrogels, Collagen & Silicone Dressings •   Nonadherent Dressings •   Antimicrobial Dressings •   Bandages, Tapes & Gauze •   Calcium Alginate Dressings & Packing Strips •   Hydrocolloids & Transparent Film Dressings •   Compression Dressings & Unna Boots •   Foam Dressings If you're a registered user on promedsupply.com, you can view items in this category by clicking on Online Catalog and then selecting Wound Care Management. If you're not registered on the site yet, your ProMed Customer Care Professional will be happy to get you set up.