Mandatory Vaccine Waiver in Nursing School/Clinicals

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hey guys, I have a question for anyone else who is a fellow "non-vaccinator" or against mandatory vaccination. What did you do for nursing school, particularly clinical locations immunization requirements? After a lot of research, I've found that while many nurses can sign immunization waivers that are offered by some hospitals, etc., I haven't heard of a nursing student who has successfully avoided vaccination requirements associated with nursing school and clinical facilities.

I am well aware that vaccination is a very controversial subject in the medical field and many feel strongly on both sides of the issue. My intention is not to debate or discuss the merits of vaccinations, but to hear from other nurses and nursing students who challenged the vaccine requirements and how you went about it.

I look forward to hearing from you!

What about exemptions for certain vaccines for someone who is newly pregnant? Have all vaccines and immunizations that school requires, but only need Tdap booster and flu vaccine. Could pregnancy be a legit exemption in this case?

Obviously have no problem with vaccines once baby is born (will be about halfway through semester, but clinicals will have already started).

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
ctaylar said:
I was able to be temporarily exempted from the hep b series due to pregnancy. But even that was incredibly difficult. Even with a medical exemption from my OB, the instructors still threatened that I would fail clinical for not complying with all requirements. They eventually (grudgingly) accepted on temporary grounds, I've just had my first in the series.

This was what I was wondering about pregnancy. I have all my vaccines except flu vaccine and I need a Tdap booster (had one over 10 years ago). Do you know anything about being temporarily exempt from those vaccines until after baby is born?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
adnat86 said:
This was what I was wondering about pregnancy. I have all my vaccines except flu vaccine and I need a Tdap booster (had one over 10 years ago). Do you know anything about being temporarily exempt from those vaccines until after baby is born?

TDAP is routinely given to pregnant women during their 3rd trimester because it imparts more immunity to the baby at that point, but it's perfectly safe to give at any stage of pregnancy

And the flu shot is also safe for pregnant women, though the nasal vaccination should not be given.

Flu shot in pregnancy: Is it safe? - Mayo Clinic

A little googling goes a long way.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.
adnat86 said:
This was what I was wondering about pregnancy. I have all my vaccines except flu vaccine and I need a Tdap booster (had one over 10 years ago). Do you know anything about being temporarily exempt from those vaccines until after baby is born?

Doubtful since neither vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy. Pregnancy did not exempt employees from required vaccines at the hospital I mentioned earlier in this thread so it is highly unlikely that it would exempt students.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had the flu shot when I was about 28 weeks. I would've been wary about it if I had been in my first trimester. I was up to date with Tdap so that wasn't an issue. It was the Hep B my OB gave me an exemption for. I've since had the baby and I've had 2/3 shots in the series. You may be able to get an exemption from your OB for the flu shot (based on where they personally stand), but every OB I have met believes the Tdap is safe.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

It may depend on the school. A friend of mine needed the mmr but was pregnant and couldnt get them so the CNA program she was trying to do wouldnt accept her.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education. Public health. Psych board cert..

I am a level lead for a community college nursing program. Students accepted to our program must submit proof of vaccinations per our clinical facility requirements. If you declined to submit this proof your acceptance letter is rescinded. No appeal as our clinical facilities are very clear, no exceptions. Students are not even allowed to decline the flu shot and don a mask. Students are not facility employees and thus do not have the same rights.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

So, I just received my school's Clinical Health Requirement packet to fill out and complete. There is a form to opt out of the flu vaccination that can be filled out by a medical provider IF the student has A) Guillian-Barre syndrome associated with receiving an influenza vaccine or B) a severe medical condition that would preclude the student from vaccination. These are the only options. No exemption for declining based on not agreeing with mandatory vaccination. There's an additional note stating that some clinical sites may not even accept this declination form even if you have a bona fide medical reason for not receiving the vaccine.

I know this echoes what other posters have said, but just to give you some perspective from someone currently filling out the paperwork for nursing school and clinical sites, not being vaccinated is not an option for me.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

As far as getting vaccines while pregnant: I found out I was, prior to beginning my public health practicum in my RN-BSN program. My titers showed susceptibility for measles, rubeola, and varicella. Since I couldn't receive the required boosters while pregnant, I had to defer the class until after the delivery. There was no exception: no shots, no class.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey OP. I was very much anti-vaccination as I was applying to nursing school/college. I was 17/18 and I am 21 now, and am going to be graduating this May.

I did not want to get my dogs vaccinated, that's how against it I was and I paid $100's extra to titre my dogs instead of re-vaccinate them. I read what appeared to be very scientific information about why vaccines are harmful, the composition of vaccines, their effectiveness, the politics behind vaccines, herd immunity, etc.

After majoring in nursing and biology, I can tell you that my beliefs about vaccinations have changed completely. I am in favor of vaccines. I gained knowledge about how to research evidenced based literature and increased my understanding of what scientific studies actually are. Basically I gained a background in science, nursing, and how to research.

My advice to you is to do the minimal vaccines required for nursing school and if you do I think you're going to learn the difference between evidence based research and fear mongering, pseudo science.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
thatgirl2478 said:

TDAP is routinely given to pregnant women during their 3rd trimester because it imparts more immunity to the baby at that point, but it's perfectly safe to give at any stage of pregnancy

And the flu shot is also safe for pregnant women, though the nasal vaccination should not be given.

Flu shot in pregnancy: Is it safe? - Mayo Clinic

A little googling goes a long way.

no need for the attitude..."a little googling goes a long way." I'm not stupid. Obviously those are the websites that come up...standard government-run organization websites just for informational purposes. Any person with a pulse who has a computer can find that information within 5 seconds...

Anyways, that wasn't the question I asked. I asked about temporary exemptions during school. Please learn how to read before replying to a comment.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
KelRN215 said:
Doubtful since neither vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy. Pregnancy did not exempt employees from required vaccines at the hospital I mentioned earlier in this thread so it is highly unlikely that it would exempt students.

Thanks for the info. Yeah I've done some more reserach regarding this the past few days and it seems that it is not only safe but necessary. Also talked to a few moms about it

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment