Refusing the Influenza Vaccine

[TheAmazingMrsA]

This may have already been talked about... so I apologize. I tried searching for a similar thread, but couldn't find one. I received my acceptance letter yesterday, with a date of June 1st to complete my health related requirements (i.e., vaccines, medical insurance, etc.). One of the requirements posted on the paperwork is the annual Influenza vaccine. I don't want the vaccine, and have no intention of getting it. I'm fully vaccinated for everything else, except Influenza. I won't start the whole mess of trying to explain my reasoning of not wanting the vaccine (it's a personal choice, and there's no need to start those arguments)... I just need to find out if anyone is in the same boat and if they successfully refused.

[Live.&.Learn]

Talk to your instructors and to the hospital where your doing clinical, some people are understanding. Be honest and see what happens. I thought about fighting to not get the Hep B vaccine or tetnus/pertussis booster but today I just got them anyway I have been waiting a long time to get into this program, and since I started class on monday vaccines have come up several times. Obviously my professors do not feel the same way that I do...Good Luck :)

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

Some people are allergic to the flu shot, but its the egg protein left over from incubation process or preservatives, not the actual flu. The reactions are similar to other allergic reactions, such as swelling, hives, and/or anaphylaxis. This usually happens in a few minutes.

You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine, but some people experience flu like side-effects. These side-effect usually only last a day or two.

As to O.P., your nursing office should have wavers you can sign, but there are usually stipulations such as it having to be against your religious beliefs.

And are, compared to the actual flu, usually very mild. And don't happen 3 weeks after the vaccine.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

"i guess i was hallucinating then, two shots two flues the only time in my life that i had the flu. flu symptoms right after injections, but that can't happen because there is a study stating you can't get the flu from the flu shot. "

one: if you got sick immediately after a flu "shot," your body wouldn't have had time to make antibodies and you could have gotten the flu virus while you were standing in line. or you could have had an allergic reaction to some component of the vaccine.

two: flu vaccines are manufactured many, many months ahead of flu season because it takes time to complete the manufacturing and distribution process. as a result, the manufacturers make their best guesses about that type of flu will occur, and sometimes...they are wrong. viruses are capable of great feats of metamorphosis. so maybe you got the flu "shot" but you didn't get the one that would protect you from the version going around. this is why it is estimated that only about 40% of vaccinated people will really avoid having some form of influenza; also, why receiving the vaccine does not affect overall mortality in vulnerable populations. not a popular viewpoint (especially if you are a big pharma company who wants to sell a lot of vaccine) but still true.

three: although the process of guessing the variety of flu is still an imperfect science, it's a damn sight better than it was twenty or thirty years ago. if these events you allege actually happen, see #2.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

" i tried searching for a similar thread, but couldn't find one. "

you must be joking. you couldn't possibly have looked. if you type "flu vaccine" into the little search window at the top of the page (see it up there?), you'll find dozens and dozens. i just did it myself.

[Heaven0214]

I have worked as an aide for years and that was when I began getting the flu vaccine... So when they offered it in nursing school, I was first in line... Unless you have some beliefs against it, I would highly recommend it. You will come in contact with the flu on clinicals in flu season. I just wouldn't want to see you miss clinical days on account of having the flu. think about it!!

[canned_bread]

We do not need influenza vaccine, but require MMR, tetorifice etc.

I suggest you get your doctor to write a letter stating you are not to get it. Furthermore, I would enquire as to your state laws for influenza.

[futurehomebirthcnm]

I'm finished with this thread. I've been in this business for over 40 years I know the difference between reactions from Durgs and the flu. I got the flu from the flu shot . Are you all flu shot salesmen. I was....what's the use.

Considering you kept changing your story from you got the flu to you were allergic, my guess this is all in your head and/or you have an axe to grind.

[kids]

The ONE year in the last 25 that I did not get a flu shot, I got influenza.

Viva la anecdotal evidence!

[mystcnurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

There is no evidence showing you can get the flu from flu shots.

There is no evidence that the flu shot works, or that it is safe, especially having the same injection year, after year, after year.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

It's not the "same" flu shot year after year. Each year the most likely strains are calculated and protected against in that year's vaccine production.

As for evidence that it works, I guess there's always that little detail of not having had an influenza pandemic in oh....how many centuries?

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

There is no evidence that the flu shot works, or that it is safe, especially having the same injection year, after year, after year.

It's not the same injection. It changes from year to year.

[mystcnurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

No, actually, it has been the same shot for the last two years. And the last "pandemic" that occurred, started on a military base. And it was in the last century. How long do you think we have been vaccinating? Maybe we don't have pandemics because of better sanitation and nutrition. I don't get the flu shot, but I did get H1N1 from others who were sneezing all over the place after getting the nasal mist. Got over it quickly, and now I am immune. Why would I want more of it injected into me?