"Mandatory Flu Shots Hit Resistance"

Nurse1966 · Sep 27, 2009, 05:11 PM

Re: "Mandatory Flu Shots Hit Resistance"

So, if we can be mandated to get a flu shot (seasonal or H1N1) and punished by having to wear PPE all flu season or quit our job, why can't we mandate that visitor's also wear PPE? Seriously, even with contact isolation, visitor's aren't forced to wear PPE or even wash their hands! Seems to me they're endangering us, and administration doesn't back us up when we try to enforce precautions. The whole arguement of "protect the community" for making us get the shot is hypocritical in my eyes. How about making visitor's wear masks and wash their hands? Especially before going into the cafeteria or elevators! Oh, I know why...wouldn't want the Press Ganey scores to drop!

psalm · Sep 27, 2009, 08:22 PM

Re: "Mandatory Flu Shots Hit Resistance"

Originally Posted by Nurse1966

So, if we can be mandated to get a flu shot (seasonal or H1N1) and punished by having to wear PPE all flu season or quit our job, why can't we mandate that visitor's also wear PPE? Seriously, even with contact isolation, visitor's aren't forced to wear PPE or even wash their hands! Seems to me they're endangering us, and administration doesn't back us up when we try to enforce precautions. The whole arguement of "protect the community" for making us get the shot is hypocritical in my eyes. How about making visitor's wear masks and wash their hands? Especially before going into the cafeteria or elevators! Oh, I know why...wouldn't want the Press Ganey scores to drop!

You and I think alike!! I have been told I was considered the "mean nurse" because I had pts. put on gowns and not use the pt. bathroom; and asked visitors to wash hands before leaving pt. room. And let's not forget the doctors and nurses who think they don't need to gown and glove up for a quick assessment (hands on).......

And Tricia RN, my heart feels for you. I can't imagine your loss. We have to remember that the flu kills thousands yearly, usually those with compromised immune systems. And children may not have a mature system. I'm so sorry for your loss.

UserG · Sep 27, 2009, 10:36 PM

Re: "Mandatory Flu Shots Hit Resistance"

Facilities I've worked at have policies for visitor requirements for MRSA, TB, and C.diff. And visitors don't complain.
But the point of the flu vaccinations is not just for your personal health. It is for the good of your patients. I'm in the profession to help people get better, not expose them to new problems. Vaccines should never be mandatory. This is America! But if you are willing to make your patients worse, why are you a nurse in the first place?

DeLySh · Sep 27, 2009, 11:24 PM

Re: "Mandatory Flu Shots Hit Resistance"

Here's a question that I just cannot find the answer to: I get that they want us to get the flu shot (H1N1 or otherwise) to "protect our patients" from the dreaded flu. How does that stop me from being a carrier (other than hand washing?)

I may not get the flu but it could be on my body because of brushing up against something/someone contaminated. I'm not just talking about at work either. I go to the store, pump gas, go to the post office, etc and touch all kinds of door handles and what not and cannot wash my hands after every contact. It may not live long but can't I transmit to other places? isn't that the whole idea behind the Lysol commercials? Can someone explain this to me?

It seems to me that if I am to be mandatorily vaccinated, shouldn't anyone who comes in contact with the public, too? Maybe we can uniformly mandate public handwashing before touching door handles and like. Wouldn't that be better?

tewdles · Sep 27, 2009, 11:45 PM

Re: "Mandatory Flu Shots Hit Resistance"

Tricia...I am so sorry for your loss. It is no wonder you have a passion for this subject!

I work in hospice. My patients are fragile and susceptable. I will be getting both the H1N1 and the seasonal flu vaccines. I will provide access to the vaccine to any of the primary care givers of my patients. I will support my family in getting both vaccines (none of them can afford to be sick with the flu and miss work if avoidable). I know that many are concerned about this vaccine but I, frankly, need to protect myself and my patients as best I can and I have not really seen anything reported that makes me overly concerned.

**pagandeva2000** · Sep 28, 2009, 05:01 AM

Re: "Mandatory Flu Shots Hit Resistance"

My state (New York) is mandating all healthcare workers to get both, seasonal flu and H1N1by November 30, 2009. I noticed that the seasonal flu formula for this year has 50 mcg of H1N1. I got the seasonal flu vaccine this year (first time in 7 years) on Monday with no side effects. However, a nurse (head of the Patient Safety Committee, no less) got her shot Thursday and is now in ICU. THAT is scary!

It makes no sense to me that I can offer the vaccine to our patients, but I have no choice of my own.

*Angie O'Plasty, RN* · Sep 28, 2009, 06:40 AM

Re: "Mandatory Flu Shots Hit Resistance"

Also, couldn't the virus mutate, thus making the vaccine worthless?

Cindy-san · Sep 28, 2009, 08:41 AM

Re: "Mandatory Flu Shots Hit Resistance"

Originally Posted by pagandeva2000

My state (New York) is mandating all healthcare workers to get both, seasonal flu and H1N1by November 30, 2009. I noticed that the seasonal flu formula for this year has 50 mcg of H1N1. I got the seasonal flu vaccine this year (first time in 7 years) on Monday with no side effects. However, a nurse (head of the Patient Safety Committee, no less) got her shot Thursday and is now in ICU. THAT is scary!

It makes no sense to me that I can offer the vaccine to our patients, but I have no choice of my own.

Wait, what? Why is she in ICU?

P.S. Oh, you're staff now! Congrats!

**pagandeva2000** · Sep 28, 2009, 11:02 AM

Re: "Mandatory Flu Shots Hit Resistance"

Not sure exactly why she is in ICU...I am assuming it is due to anaphylaxis (sorry for typo). I just hope she is okay!

Thanks for the congrats!

wacberry · Sep 28, 2009, 11:15 AM

Re: "Mandatory Flu Shots Hit Resistance"

My facility is mandating that all employees get the vaccine. They have not said what the people who refuse will face. With the nursing shortage here in the Houston area I can just take a few weeks off and go to work somewhere else when the flu is over and probably for more money. They are all bad about paying new hires more than their existing staff around here.

New To Site	Need Help	Quick Links
Create An Account General Site Map allnurses.com Journals Terms Of Service Privacy Policy Testimonials Meet Our Staff Advertising Information	Information Center & FAQ Boards of Nursing How-To Video Tutorials Did you forget your password? Compare Membership Contact allnurses.com Text Version Mark All Sections As Read	United States Nursing International Nursing Nursing Specialty Advanced Practice Nursing Critical Care Nursing Nursing Specialties Get In Touch... Find Us On Facebook Follow Us On Twitter

"Mandatory Flu Shots Hit Resistance"

Nursing News

Interesting article on ThedaCare's Collaborative Care Model

Possible breakthrough regarding MS

16th Philly area hospital to stop delivering babies: Mercy...

Really interesting article on Indian open hearts

High-Tech Pump Does What Her Heart Can't

Air Force RN Found Not Guilty

California Imposes Stricter Rules Regarding Drug Abuse In...

Are older nurses being forced out of the profession?

An outlook in California?

Australian surgeons successfully separate conjoined twins

Nursing Articles

Society Needs Care Too

Why am I doing this, anyway?

Nurse Heal Thyself

My Papa, why I am the nurse I am today.

I made it through

An angel's gaze

A Sister Never Forgets

Ruby's Marbles

What Do Operating Room Nurses Do?

My Little Old Jedi

I love this job......

"I hear voices"

Preventing FRUTI (Foley Related Urinary Tract Infection) in...

Error and Attitude

It's Just a Shower

Available Topics (tags)