[brian]

The union representing nurses at Virginia Mason Medical Center went to court yesterday to try to stop a new hospital policy that requires staff members and volunteers to receive flu shots.

Virginia Mason has stepped over the line by making vaccinations a condition of employment, said officials of the Washington State Nurses Association.

The union filed an injunction in U.S. District Court aimed at preventing the hospital from carrying out the policy, which Virginia Mason announced last week. The hospital said it was the nation's first medical center to make vaccinations mandatory.

Flu vaccines are expected to be available in December. The deadline for workers to receive a vaccination is Jan. 1.

Full Story: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/...lushots02.html

[silvermaple2rpn]

My employers don't consider the flu shot mandatory as of yet, but if we have an epidemic of the flu in the facility we are forced to stay off work for up to 14 days if we are not vacinated.

I am glad to see the union is fighting for the right to choose. After all, it is still our body so how can any employer force you to accept any invasive procedure and make it mandatory to comply

[ktwlpn]

It may be moot-I saw on the news tonite that the supply will be curtailed by half-seems one of the 2 companies that manufacture it lost it's license.....

[hoolahan]

So, if you got the vaccination, then did get a different strain of the flu, and called out sick, will the employees be doubted? Penalized?

If hospitals don't force staff to take the Hep B shot, it is still a choice, and we are exposed to blood every day, why would they make it mandatory to get a flu shot, esp if it is only seasonal? Shouldn't staff also then have to get a meningitis vaccination?

This is just a desperate attempt to have the hospital reduce call-outs due to illness in the winter. People will still get colds, bronchitis, gastroenteritis, getting a flu shot isn't a guarantee from getting the flu anyway.

I will certainly get mine, because I never want to feel that badly again, as I did with the flu, but I would never endorse forcing anyone to get the flu shot.

[lossforimagination]

Last year I had the flu shot and so did most of the nurses who, like myself, ended up with the flu. I'd never before contracted the flu after having the vaccine. This year, I'll think I'll pass on a vaccine because I'm concerned about all the impurities they put in vaccines....mercury and other chemicals. Have you heard about the scare that the Hep B vaccine may cause MS?

Originally Posted by hoolahan

So, if you got the vaccination, then did get a different strain of the flu, and called out sick, will the employees be doubted? Penalized?

If hospitals don't force staff to take the Hep B shot, it is still a choice, and we are exposed to blood every day, why would they make it mandatory to get a flu shot, esp if it is only seasonal? Shouldn't staff also then have to get a meningitis vaccination?

This is just a desperate attempt to have the hospital reduce call-outs due to illness in the winter. People will still get colds, bronchitis, gastroenteritis, getting a flu shot isn't a guarantee from getting the flu anyway.

I will certainly get mine, because I never want to feel that badly again, as I did with the flu, but I would never endorse forcing anyone to get the flu shot.

[Tweety]

It'll be interesting to see what happens.

I've never taken the flu shot. I know all the risks and the arguments as to why I should. I think it's a good idea, especially for those in epidemic areas. I don't live in an epidemic area, (yet) and haven't had the flu. I may regret that choice, but I still would like to have the choice.