Nyack Hospital has implemented a "Masks on" policy to protect patients from Influenza while hospitalized in response to the New York State Commissioner of Health's declaration that flu is prevalent in New York.

Effective Friday, December 20th, any staff member at Nyack Hospital who has not received the Influenza vaccine will be required to wear a mask in accordance with regulations set by the N.Y.S. Department of Health. "We are committed to the health and safety of our patients," said Dr. Michael Rader, Vice President and Medical Director at Nyack Hospital. "The majority of our staff has been immunized and knows to stay home while sick. Staff, who cannot take the vaccination, will wear masks in the hospital until the Commissioner of Health declares that flu is no longer prevalent in New York State."

Adherence to the hospital's policy prohibits vendors and volunteers who have not been immunized from working in the hospital. Visitors are encouraged to avoid visiting their loved ones while sick and masks are available throughout the hospital to any visitor who requests one. For more information about the influenza regulation, visit: http://health.ny.gov/FluMaskReg.