Here are the flu immunization regulations from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH): “During the influenza season, all healthcare and residential facilities and agencies shall ensure that all personnel not vaccinated against influenza for the current influenza season wear a surgical or procedure mask while in areas where patients or residents may be present.”

Help us meet this goal and continue to put our patients, clients, colleagues, family, and friends first. Bring the care, not the flu! Get vaccinated!

As we enter flu season, we want to ensure the health and safety of our clients and staff. The 2025 flu vaccination process is now underway, and we encourage all Home Health Aides to participate.

Here’s what you need to know:

• New York Best Medical (VNS Health Personal Care Partner) Outreach:
  • New York Best Medical will begin contacting you to schedule your flu vaccine.
  • No vouchers needed.
  • You will not be charged. Your insurance will cover the cost of the vaccine and if not, VNS will cover the cost.
• Scheduling Options:
  • You may receive the vaccine during an already scheduled appointment.
  • You may also choose to schedule a vaccination appointment immediately at a location of your preference.
  • If you have an appointment scheduled with your pharmacy, physician, etc. – please submit proof of vaccination immediately following your appointment to VNS Health Personal Care.
• Already Vaccinated?
  • If you’ve already received your flu shot, please inform New York Best Medical when they call.
  • Be prepared to provide proof of vaccination. Proof of vaccination must include the date of the vaccination, the vaccine lot number, and the vaccine expiration date. (See below for instructions on how to submit proof of vaccination.)
  • New York Best Medical will be able to confirm via the NYS Vaccine Registry; however, you will still need to submit proof of vaccination. 
• Declining the Vaccine:
  • If you choose to decline the flu vaccine, the process remains the same as in previous years.
  • You will need to complete and submit a declination form. (Click here for the declination form.)
  • If you chose to remain unvaccinated, you will be required to wear a mask during the entirety of the declared flu season.
• Submitting Proof of Vaccination or Declination Form to VNS Health Personal Care As Follows:
  • Mail to VNS Health Personal Care Health Services, 5 Penn Plaza, 12th Floor, New York, New York, 10001
  • Fax to 212-290-3184
  • Email to [email protected]
• Tips for Submitting Documentation by Email:
  • Use your phone to take a picture of the hardcopy
    • Submit the picture as the attachment to the email
    • Please double check that the picture is legible once it’s attached to the email
    • If it’s not legible, take the picture again in a brightly lit area, making sure the documentation is lying flat on a surface
    • Choose “large” or “actual size” if prompted by phone
  • Using a scanner, scan the hardcopy documentation, and then attach the scan to the email
  • Print e-documentation to PDF and then attach the PDF to the email

Your participation helps protect our community and ensures we continue to provide safe, high-quality care. Thank you for your attention and commitment.

Please be sure to send us a copy of your vaccination documentation. Submit your documentation by:

• Mail to VNS Health Personal Care Health Services, 5 Penn Plaza, 12th Floor, New York, New York, 10001
• Fax to 212-290-3184
• Email to [email protected]

Tips for submitting documentation by email:

• Use your phone to take a picture of the hardcopy 
  • Submit the picture as the attachment to the email
  • Please double check that the picture is legible once it’s attached to the email
  • If it’s not legible, take the picture again in a brightly lit area, making sure the documentation is lying flat on a surface
  • Choose “large” or “actual size” if prompted by phone
• Using a scanner, scan the hardcopy documentation, and then attach the scan to the email
• Print e-documentation to PDF and then attach the PDF to the email

If you choose not to receive a flu vaccination, you need to fill out an Influenza Declination Form. The Declination Form can be found here.

For information on how you can help your clients, click on the links below. Available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.