Originally Posted by caliotter3
During recent hospitalizations, I was screened for both flu and pneu vaccs. I indicated that I desired both, and was expecting them during one of these visits. However, the nurse made an excuse for not giving me the vaccs when I got discharged. She said it was not flu season yet. My thoughts: Don't screen, don't offer the vaccs, don't bother, if you have no intention of following through. As far as I am concerned, they were just going through the motions to meet some requirement.
Yes, they are meeting "some requirement" - namely, core measures as set forth by medicare. It is not flu season, so giving you a flu shot anytime after March and before October is contraindicated. Nurses make mistakes. Generally the pnemococcal and influenza screening tools are combined and sometimes nurses forget that it's not 'flu season'. You are right. They should not offer them if they are not indicated because (clearly) the general public does not understand "indicated vs not indicated" - they think as you: don't offer if it is not indicated. Also, if you are under 65 and do not have any chronic disease you are not a candidate for pnemonia vac either. If you would like both, you should see your PCP - immunizations are really best given by your PCP who knows your history and follows it.
This is the first time in history that hospitals and physicians are being offered MORE incentive to "do the right thing". Of course there is more controversy over telling physicians what best practices are - patients and illnesses are unique and sometimes 'standing orders' don't meet all needs. There are pluses and minuses here - the good thing is that it is a concern in our legislature and our medical community and I believe that really, everyone wants what's best for the patient in the long run. Generally medical folk don't go after people to hurt them or make lives miserable, ya know?
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