In a county-wide mandate, Los Angeles healthcare workers will be required this flu season to receive an immunization shot or wear a protective mask while working, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The L.A. County mandate covers all employees in hospitals, nursing homes and intermediate care facilities. Any of these workers who come in contact with patients must either be immunized for the flu or wear a protective mask to work.

"Getting vaccinated is one of the most important steps that healthcare personnel can take to protect their patients and themselves from the flu," Public Health director Dr. Jonathan Fielding said in a statement after issuing the order.

According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 200,000 people get infected with the influenza virus every year. Of those infected, about 24,000 die from the virus.

For flu immunization, the standard national goal is 90 percent, but actual rates among healthcare workers is 67 percent. Fielding said he plans to "close the gap" in his department and bring that number up to 90.

During 2011-2012's flu season, Fielding noted hospitals that required their workers to get a flu shot had immunization rates of 95 percent. Hospitals that did not had a rate of 68 percent.

"Hospitals have been required for some time by state law to provide vaccine, no requirement to, in fact, have people immunized or otherwise use a mask when in contact with patients, so that's what's different," Fielding told CBS Los Angeles.

Officially, flu season this year starts Nov. 1 and ends March 31.

The L.A. County mandate comes after similar directives in Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento and several other California counties. In total, more than 30 Los Angeles hospitals and other facilities will be affected by the ruling.

This is the first flu vaccine mandate in Los Angeles and will remain in effect until rescinded by Fielding's office.