Flu Vaccine, enough already! - Page 19

I would never ever want to get the flu. I'm not keen on flu vaccines, for myself, either. I'm not a great patient, like most of us. Great at giving education to others though.

Last flu season (2011-12) I gave vaccines to patients at our free clinic. I refused to get one! Then, I moved to a new city and didn't know anyone at all. My PCP was 5 hours away. OMG I became majorly sick with ALL the flu sx. I drove around in my car in a total daze, trying to find a walk-in clinic, finally ended up back near my rental house and went to CVS and bought about 50.00 worth of every type of medication and fluids and saltine crackers ... and holed up in my house. I honestly thought that I was going to die. My family and friends were too far away to help me and I'd only been in this new town for a short time. No one to call.

It went away after a few days, but I was quite sick.

So, now it's flu season coming up again, and again I'm giving vaccines. And I will be getting one this year!

My hospital makes it mandatory. Get it or you don't have a job. I understand it really. It's to protect the patients as well. Now .... Normally if I get the flu it's not a big deal but If I don't get the flu I can't spread it and that is a big deal. So you know what... They're making me get the flu shot. BFD.

"No day but today"

Enlightening, my question leans towards "allergies" regarding this concept.

The hospitals in my area make an exemption for those who are allergic to a component in the shot, however they also require that person to wear a mask when working during the main "flu months".

Allergic employees don't need to get the shot, and patients are still protected.

If you are allergic you have to have it documented by an md and wear a mask allllll season.

"No day but today"

I totally agree with both of your post, however, I feel that this is almost a form of dictating like "do this" or else you'll be out of a job! ..just saying

P.S. I get my Flu/shot every year.

I hear you. I'm not keen on the idea but it is what it is. I wish it wasn't mandatory an that those who could get it did get it simply because they want to decrease the risk of passing it on. As healthcare professionals we often do come to work sick and I'd hate to think I was the one who did someone in because I exposed them to the flu. I don't think that anything should be mandatory I think we should always have a choice. Being that we don't, I just go with it and focus on the good that it's done. . I also got my shot every year before It was mandatory.

"No day but today"

Amen & I'll leave it at that.... Aloha~

Such a good documentary on vaccines in general, and it includes both sides of the debate: The Vaccine War | FRONTLINE | PBS

Thank you for sharing....Aloha~