Flu shot policy at your hospital....(m)

[pink2blue1]

The hospital that I work at is requiring all staff to get the flu vaccine, and if we don't get it or we cannot get it due to allergy, we are going to be required to wear a mask while inside the hospital at all times. Problem is that they have already run out of the vaccine so we now have to go to a cvs pharmacy with our badge if we want the vaccine. Are other hospitals requiring employees to wear masks while in the hospital? Can they legally make us do this? What about visitors etc.

[Riseupandnurse]

I agree; I don't see the benefit of young children running around the hospital unless a grandparent etc. is actually dying and they need to say goodbye. I have been told that it is too early for the "regular" Influenza A and that cases of A right now are actually almost certainly H1N1. We have it here in our area. The hospital decided that its nurse will get the flu shot unless there is a medical reason. If you don't, you will be docked on any merit raise. I am actually wondering if this is legal. Nothing to do with how I feel about flu shots. I got the regular shot. There is no H1N1 vaccine here for anyone except pregnant nurses.

[FlyingScot, RN]

At my hospital it's get the flu shot or you get to wear a mask. Flu shot for me!! Too bad the H1N1 vaccine didn't come out sooner. I'm not so much enjoying having the actual disease (going on 7 days now) and my coworkers seem to think I got it for the express purpose of infecting them.

[UnionRN2]

At the hospital where I work it is strongly advised to get a regular and H1N1 flu vaccine. (Neither are available yet.) If you don't, you have to sign waivers. No threat of masks.

However, if they were to mandate I'd file a grievance. I think I'd take my chances with getting fired and suing the hospital. My suggestion for those who are mandated: demand name of manufacturer, lot number, a copy of insert, etc, as well as copy of policies. If something happens to health now or later as a result of a fast tracked vaccine you might have what you need for legal proceedings against your employer.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

Hi, Im a weekly vistor at St. Marys Medical Hospital. I don't wear a mask, I don't see any nurse's or other staff wearing them either. I'll ask about this next time I go. Hey just curoius, Why not take the flu shot? I hear alot of people saying they avoid this shot. My mother inlaw took this shot some years ago and right after this, she was diagnosed with diabeties.

Uhh, just so you know the flu shot has no link to diabetes. More than likely your mother-in-law's body was already beginning to develop diabetes prior to getting the flu shot. It was just a coincidence that shortly after getting the flu shot her symptoms become more evident. In fact, due to their chronic illness, diabetics are prime candidates to receive the annual flu shot.

[azhiker96, BSN, RN]

The vaccine is voluntary at my hospital but they have set up lots of times/locations to make it easy for those who want it. No face masks here other than what we did before the flu; droplet precautions, etc.

[PeachyERNurse, BSN, RN]

Are all of the HCA hospitals making people wear masks if they don't get the shot?

I work for an HCA hospital and that's the policy. If u weren't vaccinated by 10/01, ur supposed to be walking around for ur 12 hour shift with a surgical mask on ur face. So far, it appears that this doesn't apply to the docs (maybe because they aren't HCA employees...well the ER dos aren't). The policy seems ridiculous to me. I haven't gotten the shot because I'm 6 1/2 months preggo, and I'm waiting to talk to my midwife about it.

[newohiorn, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Just made regular flu shot and H1N1 mandatory at my hospital--otherwise must wear mask while in clinical areas.

[ellymay]

we had the choice of either taking the flu shot (and the h1n1 when it is available) or wearing a surgical mask during our entire shift until flu season is over. anyone coming into er with flulike symptoms is placed in a mask at triage until flu test comes back negative and visitors are asked to wear mask if they are sick.