This Law Firm Publication by Jackson Lewis LLP discusses the Rhode Island Department of Health's new requirement that all health care workers who have direct patient contact, including volunteers, receive free seasonal flu vaccines. Health care workers may obtain a medical exemption or refuse to be vaccinated without explanation, and health care facilities may not ask why a worker has refused. However, unvaccinated health care workers face a $100 fine per violation and possible professional sanctions if they fail to wear surgical facemasks when they have direct contact with patients during any declared period of a widespread flu outbreak.