Would you take the flu shot?

Medsport · Oct 05, 2009, 03:34 PM

I would get one if my employer offered to give me one. But that probably won't happen as they are hiring an outside company to do the residents shots for some reason. I've only got one flu shot my whole life. I used to hardly ever get sick before I started nursing and can't remember the last time I had the actual flu. Now I seem to get at least a couple colds each season, but luckily I have'nt gotten the flu as we don't have paid sick time at my present job.

KAYBDT6 · Oct 05, 2009, 09:58 PM

Yes, Is mandated for every health care in my hospital to have it.

**pagandeva2000** · Oct 06, 2009, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by Strawberrykool

NY isn't mandated yet Next year we will be. Unless your at a hospital

New York is mandated to take both. If not done by 11/30/09, disciplinary action will take place starting (at my job, anyhow),with two week suspension without pay and this can lead to termination due to non-compliance to policy.

belgarion · Oct 06, 2009, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by pagandeva2000

New York is mandated to take both. If not done by 11/30/09, disciplinary action will take place starting (at my job, anyhow),with two week suspension without pay and this can lead to termination due to non-compliance to policy.

Just curious but what if you've had a past allergic reaction?

I've had the regular shot and will get the H1N1 as soon as it's availabe here. I've got a wife with half a dozen chronic conditions so I can't take any chances.

FYI, the two worst cases of the flu I've ever had occured a couple of months after being vaccinated so the vaccine is NOT a guarantee you won't get sick.

**pagandeva2000** · Oct 07, 2009, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by belgarion

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Just curious but what if you've had a past allergic reaction?

I've had the regular shot and will get the H1N1 as soon as it's availabe here. I've got a wife with half a dozen chronic conditions so I can't take any chances.

FYI, the two worst cases of the flu I've ever had occured a couple of months after being vaccinated so the vaccine is NOT a guarantee you won't get sick.

My facility provided a document that the employee has to take to their physician that states that they have had previous adverse reactions to the flu vaccine or components of it. I am understanding that they are really looking for anaphylactic reaction, not just GI or even rash, it seems. It has to be signed, stamped and the license # of the physician must be reported. Once returned to Human Resources, the person is supposed to be exempt.

Blakpepa · Oct 20, 2009, 09:10 PM

I think that all health care workers should be mandated to get the shot for the flu and H1N1. I just came down with the flu 2 wks ago and it affected so many students on our campus that they had to set up a registry for sick students that missed classes so that their prof's would grant leniency.

When you are contagious and not exhibiting hardcore symptoms, someones life could be put at risk; fear of needles or not, it's a matter of protecting yourself and your patients.

*systoly* · Oct 21, 2009, 11:29 AM

I don't know anyone who enjoys the flu shot, but usually the soreness is no more than being sore from a work out. If there's excessive discomfort or local reaction - treat it. A deep fear of needles can be a real problem. I've seen this while teaching diabetics and I can assure you, it has nothing to do with being a baby or a sissy. Can you enlist the help of several others (folks that are serious about helping and don't belittle the issue) who can provide reassurance and distraction. Don't let this fear rob you and your family of protection.

Medsport · Oct 24, 2009, 01:49 AM

Originally Posted by pagandeva2000

New York is mandated to take both. If not done by 11/30/09, disciplinary action will take place starting (at my job, anyhow),with two week suspension without pay and this can lead to termination due to non-compliance to policy.

That's crazy! You should'nt be forced to get it if you chose not to. I would most likely get the flu shot if my company offered it, but it does'nt look like they are as they went with an outside company and are too cheap. I'm leary about the H1N1 though as its made from a live virus and is'nt proven to be safe yet. A friend of mine (who is a respiratory therapist) was offered one at her job and she is refusing them. She's heard of too many people getting sick (including her mother who apparently had an allergic reaction to something) and people have even died from the flu shot. I know its rare, but does happen and theirs no guarantee you will get the flu if not vaccinated.

Would you take the flu shot?

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