Home Health Aides (HHAs) embody the meaning of true service. Their presence enhances the quality of life for patients by providing someone trustworthy and reliable. HHAs are trained not only to provide safe and competent care to patients, but also to show empathy, patience, kindness and respect. And while character is important, there are health and vaccination requirements that every candidate must complete before officially becoming an HHA. If you’re interested in joining a team of certified HHAs, read along to learn the health and vaccination requirements you’ll need to complete in order to start work.

All of these requirements can be met with a visit to Swift Urgent Care!  

HHA Requirements:

An HHA’s health is just as important as their patients’. In order to consistently show up for a patient, an HHA must be in good health and up to date with certain vaccinations to protect themselves and avoid spreading preventable diseases to their patients. Upon hiring HHAs must provide record of:

• A physical examination within the last year 
• 4-7 panel drug screen within the last 6 months
• Proof of MMR immunization or proof of immunity to Rubella, Rubeola, and Mumps
• Flu shot from current flu season or documents outlining flu declination
• Two step TST/PPDor IRGA QuantiFERON Gold or T-Spot, not older than 1 year, or chest x-ray.

As a new HHA, there are requirements beyond an HHA certification.
Aside from Medical requirements HHAs must present:

• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States: from the list of acceptable documents must be presented in person
• Two references: one professional one personal contact information
• Proof of address: acceptable form include utility bill, rent, mortgage bill, cable bill, bank statement.  

Swift Urgent Care offers a range of vaccines to help protect individuals from infectious diseases and keep them safe and healthy. If you’re an HHA new hire, and need to complete your vaccination requirements, try visiting the Swift locations in Sunset park (6002 Fort Hamilton Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11219) or Kensington (108 Beverley Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11218). These vaccines include: 

• Flu 
• COVID-19 and boosters
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
• TDAP
• Hepatitis B

Go Get ‘Em!
Deciding to serve your community as an HHA is an exciting step in your career. Completing your health and vaccination requirements is just the first step toward this rewarding career, but it’s an all-important piece of the puzzle when it comes to creating safe, healthy spaces for patients.