A northern Indiana hospital has fired eight employees who refused to get flu shots the hospital says are needed to protect patients from the potentially deadly illness.

   IU Health Goshen Hospital officials told its staff in September that flu shots would no longer be optional for staff, affiliated physicians, volunteers and vendors.

   Hospital spokeswoman said the new requirements came as a recommendation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Medical Association and other major health agencies.

   The hospital says that it would be irresponsible to ignore the fact that patients with compromised immune systems are at a greater risk for illness and death from the flu.