In June, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a global pandemic of H1N1 – the so-called swine flu – had begun.

Currently, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reviewing key indicators and has found that influenza activity increased in the U.S. compared to the prior weeks, with visits to doctors for influenza-like illness increasing nationally; total influenza hospitalization rates for adults and children were similar to or lower than seasonal influenza hospitalization rates depending on age group, but higher than expected in the summer months; and 11 states (Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee) and Guam reporting widespread influenza activity.

With public transportation serving such a wide swath of people, some of whom will need to ride the bus or train to the doctor, it is important that agencies put in place some preventive measures and customer awareness programs, and many have. However, what may be important for the safety of drivers and quite possibly the passengers is to make influenza vaccinations for frontline employees mandatory. Several agencies are already taking this or a similar path. Are you planning on doing the same?