Vaccines for H1N1 may be required for health-care workers in parts of the country, but local health workers may not need such mandates.

Warren General Hospital Employee Health/Infection Control Nurse Betsy Williams said it is recommended that health-care workers be vaccinated against Hepatitis B, Measles, mumps rubella, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis, varicella and influenza.

WGH Community Relations and Development Corporate Director Karen Coombs said at present, vaccinations for health-care workers are voluntary.

Coombs said the hospital provides educational information to the employee encouraging vaccination.

The hospital has a history of having a high rate of employees vaccinated against the seasonal flu every year, Coombs said.

WGH Chief Nursing Officer Joanne Sorensen said the majority of the hospital's health-care workers are vaccinated against influenza because they recognize their role in keeping patients safe.

The Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses & Allied Professionals WGH local Secretary Hope Punsky said workers are not required to take the H1N1 vaccine but are encouraged to do so.

While the hospital currently doesn't have any vaccine, Punsky said it will be offered as soon as it becomes available.

Punsky said she does not know if the vaccine will be made available in the shot or mist form or if workers will have a choice.

Every year, Punsky said, the hospital offers a vaccine for the flu at a fall clinic.

For most of the workers, Punsky said they understand the risk involved with H1N1 and are willing to take a vaccine.

"They realize they are going to be exposed to it more because they deal with people who are sick," she said.

While she could not give a percentage of workers willing to get a vaccine, Punsky said those she has talked to seem receptive to the vaccine when it is offered.

Workers follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines, Punsky said, but no law exists requiring a vaccine.

"I know there was discussion of it in New York state, but not in Pennsylvania that I know of," she said.