The flu shot making people sick

Nurses COVID

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It's not my intention to start a debate on the flu shot, but I'm afraid it's going to happen in this thread. Oh well, here we go....

I work in the ER. About 6 nurses were talking last evening about the flu shot. The vaccination is highly encouraged at out hospital, but not required. 4 of the nurses said they would not get it and all four INSISTED that flu shots make them deathly ill. One nurse even said that when she worked in oncology, she was required to get the flu shot and then "spent the next 3 days curled up in bed." The next year, when required to get the shot, an oncology doctor told her the shot would not make her sick, but she told the doc "yeah right, I spent 3 days in bed with a high fever...there is no way you are making me take that again."

I don't want a debate about someone's right to refuse the flu shot; however, I was stunned by the level of ignorance by these nurses. There are reasons to not get the shot, but saying "the shot makes me sick" is not one of them.

OK, so that was a rant....just try and resist the urge to argue for or against required flu shots. :yeah:

In my opinion, those that choose not to vaccinate their children are being selfish. After the epidemic of pertussis that's going on where I live (Washington state), I hope more parents realize they need to grow up. It's not fair for my kids to get sick because of your refusal.

The pertussis craze these days is likely because the reformulation of the pertussis vaccine isn't as effective as it used to be.

Call me when they require MRSA shots and maybe I'll get one

Specializes in Pediatrics.

Its required at the hospital I work at. We get a badge saying "I got the flu shot because I care", and those that get a doctor's note to opt out, get a different color badge that says "I wear a mask because I care".

I learned this week that its not the actual flu that causes the body aches and terrible feeling, instead its the ANTIGENS against the flu that cause the feeling! So in essence, the body aches and fever are a good sign that the shot actually works. I got mine for the first time a few weeks ago and had some aches, but it wasn't nothing out of this world.

Specializes in ICU/PACU.

I don't like how hospitals are forcing their staff to get vaccinated. Doesn't seem right. I did get the flu shot this year, but hearing stories about contaminated prednisone and deaths from it, it makes me nervous.

Specializes in Oncology, Med/Surg, Hospice, Case Mgmt..

Wow, where were all of you flu shot supporters when I was getting pummeled on one of the other threads!

Wow, a conspiracy theorist who admits to being one....

Call me when they require MRSA shots and maybe I'll get one

But then we would all get MRSA right?? =)

The recommendation for those who have egg allergies but only have the hive reaction is to GET the vaccination--and treat the hives side-effect. There is no "egg free" version, per se, but the reaction she had isn't considered a reason to not have the shot. You'd just treat the side effect. The bruising was likely how the shot was given, combined with your daughter's general sensitivity to injections, I'd say. That said....why did she have it in her thigh? Go for the deltoid next time.

I have noticed how people say this, as if you can't make up your own mind what a valid reason is.

In my opinion, those that choose not to vaccinate their children are being selfish. After the epidemic of pertussis that's going on where I live (Washington state), I hope more parents realize they need to grow up. It's not fair for my kids to get sick because of your refusal.

Well, regardless of the supposed evidence that vaccines do not cause autism, the debate continues. It is not fair to call a parent selfish who feels well informed on the issue and simply wants to protect their own children. I think those who believe in vaccines should vaccinate and those who don't should have the freedom of refusal. There are risks on both sides to BOTH sets of children. Let's not start calling each other names.

I have to assume you're a student who is still in the pre-requisite phase and haven't yet started any clinicals? Because if you were already a nursing student IN the program, you'd already know you WILL be required to have a full slate of vaccinations in order to be admitted to the clinical site. The facilities that host your school for clinical work WILL require you to have these vaccinations.....or you will not be allowed to proceed in the program.

So.....is the next conspiracy you're going to buy into going to be that you are being forced to quit nursing school by pharmaceutical companies or the government?

Sure, why not? Somebody is making us quit. AND I was able to sign off on the flu vaccine before school started and the rules were changed mid-stream.

Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.
The pertussis craze these days is likely because the reformulation of the pertussis vaccine isn't as effective as it used to be.

I was talking to my kids' former PNP (she is no longer in practice but we keep in touch) and she mentioned this as well. The acellular pertusses (the 'aP' part of DTaP or TdaP) tends to cause fewer reactions but in return, the body's immune response is not as strong.

I am in favor of the flu shot for myself, as I've never had more than a sore arm from it. I'd much rather deal with that for a couple days than be knocked on my butt by the flu (and I have been, so I know of what I speak!). I'd rather be protected from a several strains than from zero strains by not getting it. I know people who refuse for a multitude of reasons and that's their business....but me, I get it.

I have noticed how people say this, as if you can't make up your own mind what a valid reason is.

Arguably, some simply cannot. Certainly anyone who has worked as a nurse for even a short amount of time has come across patients who give you lots of reasons, often an impressive variety of reasons, as to why they aren't going to comply with their course of treatment--medication schedules--smoking cessation---diabetic diet--followups---etc. Doesn't make them valid reasons, just their reasons.

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