Hospitals illegally firing nurses for refusing flu vaccines - Page 10

My hospital has the same policy of mandatory flu shots otherwise caregivers have to wear a mask when taking care of patients. I refuse to wear a mask the entire shift.

So you're willing to risk giving your patients flu B just because you don't want to wear a mask?

"9:07 am by wooh So you're willing to risk giving your patients flu B just because you don't want to wear a mask?"I'm claustaphobic enough when i have to gown and mask up for someone on contact precautions so I'm only stating that I prefer flu shot rather than use the mask ....my personal preference. On another note my husband who is active duty military is given the flu shot every year...it's mandatory to continue to be active duty...they line up and get the shots as soon as its available for that year.

Here's the thing, I'm Typhoid Mary because I haven't had the flu shot. I don't care about my patients. I'm spreading the flu to ALL OF THEM.

But I'm wearing the mask. Protecting them from ALL the flus.

It's ridiculous to insinuate that nurses that refuse the flu shot are selfish stupid people then not be willing to wear a mask to protect your patients from the flu NOT COVERED BY THE FLU SHOT.

I'm not calling YOU (benjaeli) selfish. To be sure, I don't recall you (benjaeli) expressing an opinion other than to say you don't wear the mask.
Just saying that the moral indignation (from others in this and similar threads) towards those who won't get the flu shot is hypocritical when expressed by those not willing to wear a mask all the time to protect their patients from illness not covered by the flu shot. ESPECIALLY when flu B that's not covered is quite prevalent this year.

You are correct. I don't have any problem with anyone that chooses not to get the flu shot or with those who do get it. I think it should be a personal decision. I also do not agree with being terminated for refusal. I'm simply stating my hospital's policy and what I prefer to do. If I wasn't in healthcare I might not have gotten a flu shot in fact before nursing school I never got a flu shot. I just prefer not to walk around with a mask all day and I also couldn't bear the thought of infecting my two small children with anything so I do it...knowing that nothing is ever 100% guaranteed.

• I give up. Just--- everyone go take the flu shot. What do we nurses know anyway.
  
  

olddragger, that is downright depressing. I am a vaccine proponent, but I am a truth proponent as well. Also, I was on a debate team in college, and I love a good debate. I still think getting the flu shot is better than not getting the flu shot for health care providers who provide direct patient care to protect their patients. However, I just saw this Cochrane Review VERY recently, and I was shocked. It is what it is. This is a pick-me-up from me to you. I would love to hear your thoughts, and I'll try my darndest to keep it civil.

Thank you MarieBailey, a pick me up is well received.
I am so glad to read that report. It was a an eye opener for me also--so to speak.
I believe we think somewhat alike in that I have never thought that the this vaccination didnt have a place in health care, but I am convinced that it does not need to be mandated. Its all about risk versus benefit and to me this vaccine has has limited benefit. But, it does have some.

Truth proponent? I like that! So am I. I try to stay as objective as I can, because I fully realize that I certainly do not know everything. I try to let the evidence speak for itself. Therefore, I too enjoy a good debate

I respect your opinion and it is logical. Guess what...I agree that getting the flu shot would be a good thing for most people! But not so much that a Nurses job should be placed in jeprody. In my own twisted way of thinking --if the flu shot is mandated for your job, then if you report to work sick ( low grade fever/cough/congestion/sore throat etc) then shouldnt that also be grounds for dismissal? Try to get hospitals to do that!

I think that one of the main things about this flu shot situation that gets to me is hospitals are making their hcw ( Nurses) look bad. By publicly making this mandate and saying that previous attempts didnt work gives the general public the impression that Nurses are willing to expose their patients to infection without any regard. We all know that is not true. If fact it is the other way around. Hospitals dont provide enough to combat nosocomical infections!
I do hope the new influenza vaccination works out.