Are nurses allowed to claim vaccination exemptions?

Katnip, RN · Sep 10, 2009

Depends on the vaccine. Most employers require that you have proof of MMR immunity, which often requires the vaccines. Some require Hep B.

If you're asking if they can require flu vaccines, then most cannot unless they offer an alternative such as wearing a mask during your entire shift. And yes, they can require that using patient safety as the reason.

HappyBunnyNurse · Sep 10, 2009

I took my regular flu shot yesterday. I had to check yes or no to several questions and sign before I could get my shot. Those questions are for safety, to see if you are likely to have a reaction. I wouldn't think any medical professional would give the vaccine to someone who answered yes to a risk factor even if that person needed it for work. My institution isn't requiring it. However, I have no reason not to take it so I did. Guess I'll take the Piggy one too. Lol.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2009

We can refuse here. We just have to sign a waver that we realizing that by not doing so we are putting ourselves and our patients at risk. Then they ask why you are refusing, which I think we can check "other" and not tell them.

In the end, it's our bodies.

Circejane · Sep 10, 2009

Where I work, one can refuse but those who do must be masked while working with patients throughout the flu season. Personally, I get vaccinated, for my own protection as well as my patients.

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 10, 2009

Where I work, flu shots (both types) are being required this year -- but certain exemptions are being allowed with appropriate documentation. For example, documented allergy to the vaccine components, regligious beliefs, etc. are being considered as legitimate reasons for exemption. However, those people who don't get the shots will need to wear masks when doing patient care in order to minimize the spread of the diseases.

moodyred01 · Sep 10, 2009

Thanks! I am concerned about more than just flu vaccines. I was wondering if anyone had had any trouble claiming exemptions for boosters and other vaccinations.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Sep 10, 2009

I don't know about "force", but the employer has to protect the patients, public and your co-workers.

Remember, your body goes in a lot of rooms and you could be spreading illness to many people, including your own family.

dcampbell · Sep 10, 2009

I don't know about "force", but the employer has to protect the patients, public and your co-workers.
Remember, your body goes in a lot of rooms and you could be spreading illness to many people, including your own family.

What about the visitors?

They are going in and out of some rooms and also many parts of the hospital.

What about masks for visitors? Seriously.

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 10, 2009

What about the visitors?
They are going in and out of some rooms and also many parts of the hospital.
What about masks for visitors? Seriously.

We are discussing our options there, too -- focusing for now on patient/visitor education and providing lots of masks, hand sanitizer, etc. around the hospital. We are already considering significantly limiting visitors if and when it seems appropriate. We are also setting up a system to provide better screening for all visitors to prevent people with active respiratory symptoms from coming in. (We've always limited some visitors, but are looking for ways to beef up that system.)

Visitors are not being forgotten or ignored at my hospital.

rjflyn, ASN, RN · Sep 10, 2009

I have worked in several hospitals and for a couple travel companies/agencies and NO the other vaccinations generally were NOT optional. Exceptions were made if one could document having had a particular disease for example chicken pox. I also cant recall any allowing optional religious exemptions- as your employment is optional. The flu shot has always been optional, be it hard to get a couple times and of various effect.

Shenanigans, RN · Sep 10, 2009

Where I work they offer the flu vax free. They encourage it with a huge swag of chocolates and other such diabetic inducing foods to the ward who gets the most staff vaxd. I was told "NO" by both my boss and the vaccinator because of my allergies. I was willing to take the risk for patient safety but they wouldn't risk my finicky immune system. Haha.