Patients who ask if you got a flu shot

Specialties Ambulatory

Published

Specializes in Psych/Substance Abuse, Ambulatory Care.

For those of you that elect not to receive the Flu vaccine, how do you respond to those nosey patients who ask "Did YOU get a Flu shot this year?" ...I don't feel like I should have to lie and say yes, but I don't want to cause a great debate. They would usually ask while I was giving them the injection- I feel like all of our patients at the clinic asked me that last year and I fumbled with answers. This year I'm pregnant and don't want to hear it!

Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

"I don't talk about my personal medical details." quick change of subject ...

It's not a debate about vaccination ... it's a boundary. A firm one, at that. ;)

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

They don't have to ask at my facility. Either you got it and have a sticker on your ID, didn't get it for medical or religious reasons and have to wear a mask at all times from October through February, or didn't get it for an unapproved reason and no longer are an employee.

Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

I've been wondering about this. I get a flu shot every year, and I have no problem telling people that, but the flu shot for pregnant women is not available yet, and I don't want to accidentally give away my pregnancy (I'm due in May).

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Yep, same answer as Sweet Wild Rose - if you don't get it, it's pretty apparent, as you're required to wear a mask at all times.

I get the vaccine so I have no issue with being honest. I often use that as a starting point for patient education.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I say, "we evaluate each patient for a flu shot based on their medical history." Then, that turns the discussion back to the pt. Like above posters, what I do is irrelevant.

You should get a flu shot! Unless you have a legitimate medical reason (as above: pregnancy, egg allergy)

Specializes in Psych/Substance Abuse, Ambulatory Care.
I say, "we evaluate each patient for a flu shot based on their medical history." Then, that turns the discussion back to the pt. Like above posters, what I do is irrelevant.

Thanks for this- that was the point of my question: what to say to turn it back to the patient because it's not about me. I might try adding your quote to my usual script.

Specializes in Psych/Substance Abuse, Ambulatory Care.
You should get a flu shot! Unless you have a legitimate medical reason (as above: pregnancy, egg allergy), frankly you sound like an idiot giving flu shots but not getting one yourself.

I have several legitimate reasons for not getting a flu shot, but it's not about me. I want to focus on the patient and not about my own reasons. Unfortunately many of my patients are a little nosey sometimes which makes that difficult.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

It is not about OUR choice when we are discussing our patient's decisions.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I have several legitimate reasons for not getting a flu shot, but it's not about me. I want to focus on the patient and not about my own reasons. Unfortunately many of my patients are a little nosey sometimes which makes that difficult.
Just tell them...just like you I get my yearly check up and my doctor and I decide what I need....and just like you my medical history is private...smile sweetly and move on.....
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