A message from Tom Talbot, MD MPH FSHEA FIDSA, professor of Medicine and Chief Hospital Epidemiologist, Vanderbilt University Medical Center:
As respiratory virus activity has slowly decreased across the region, the Department of Infection Prevention is relaxing masking requirements for several groups as per VUMC policy. Starting April 3, 2025, required masking may stop for the following:
- For all faculty, house staff, and staff who have received an exemption from influenza vaccination
- Universal masking in high-risk areas of VUMC, such as, in Vanderbilt University Hospital, units on 11 North, 10 CCT, and 7 MCE; in Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, units on 6A and 6B; in the Adult Ambulatory area the Outpatient Transplant Unit; and in the Pediatric Ambulatory area DOT 6)
Individuals may still decide to mask on a voluntary basis based on personal considerations and risk. Please respect the decision of those who decide to mask, and please put on a mask if a patient or colleague requests you to do so.
The Department of Infection Prevention will continue to track measures of respiratory virus activity. In the event such metrics increase, other interventions, including universal masking in all clinical areas, may be reinstituted. Thank you as always for your support of this important safety program.
