At many hospitals, the staff uniforms are washed in the hospital laundry. Are there any precautions that hospital laundry staff needs to take when washing uniforms from vaccinated staff?
Clothing or any other material that may have come in contact with the vaccination site and therefore be contaminated with vaccinia should be handled and laundered in the same manner as other contaminated linens according to hospital policy. Handling of soiled linens should be kept at a minimum, and they should be placed in single laundry bags regularly used in the hospital. After handling any contaminated or potentially contaminated clothing, wash hands with water and antimicrobial soap, or use an alcohol-based hand rub.
