Nurses file lawsuit over mandatory flu vaccine

I read the article, are they going to require JUST the nurses, or all HCP's? doctors nurses aides and clerks to get the vaccine. What about people who walk into the hospital? are visitors going to have to get the shot when they visit? or wear masks?

Good question there-Angels_wearScrubs

So, is the concern really for decreasing the spread of H1N1 or is it just the latest excuse for institutions to get rid of all those "pesky", expensive nurses?

I get the vaccine arguments, but what I don't understand is the mast issue. To me it just sounds like a union justifying it's existence. At least they were given an option. Shot or mask. It's a choice. It would be nice to see the actual policy. I guess maybe because I've worked in infectious diseases and infection control and taken care of resistant TB and even a few pt's with bad stuff like Ebola over the years that I don't get the argument over the mask. In the OR I've work a mask for 8 hours at a time. What's the big deal?

I am offended at being told I MUST be vaccinated. If my hospital demands that all patients and visitors get vaccinated then I will agree to it. I do not want the vaccine, I do not have to justify why I don't want a vaccine any more than a patient has to justify why they are refusing a medication. If I or any other nurse tried to make a patient take a medication or vaccine they did not want we would need a lawyer and a new career. While I do not see what a mask will do except to try and force the staff to comply, I will wear one if only to show management that they cannot make me do something against my will. I am not alone, many nurses on my floor are very offended by this demand and have decided not to have the vaccine. This is not about health concerns, we are angered at being told we HAVE to have a vaccine that we do not want. Today it is the H1N1 vaccine, what will be next?

Agree with hoyt. I'll be wearing a mask. The mask has nothing to do with infection control but it's a threat (that's sadly working at my hospital) to convince people to get the shot. If they REALLY thought the mask was for infection control and not as punishment, then NOW while H1N1 is going around, they should be making everyone wear the mask since nobody's vaccinated for it, instead of waiting until vaccines are available and saying we have to wear one then. But that would cost money for all the masks.

I've posted this in another forum, but though it appropraite here as well. I can envision our hosptial attempting to mandate vaccines soon.
In an effort to prevent the spread of H1N1 flu our organization states it will screen all employees for s/s of influenza BEFORE clocking in. They plan on taking everyones temperature and asking health questions prior to each oncoming persons shift. Not only will they pre-screen but they will randomly check staffs temperature throughout the day/night and send you home if you are deemed in their eyes unfit to work. We are a union hospital. I guess I'm questioning their right to do so. Has anyone elses facilities taken such a measure as to pre-screen to determine being fit for work due to influenza scare? But in the mean time...