Flu Shot Reaction--Need Advice

[Kenmore1009]

I'm an ED nurse. Never had problem with getting flu shot through nursing school and first year of career. Got flu shot in 2014 and about 2 weeks later noticed very mild lightheadedness and vertigo. Didn't think much of it, only lasted a day or two. Then in 2015, again about 2-3 weeks after flu shot, developed severe vertigo with vomiting that lasted several days. I had to call out of work a day or two. Symptoms improved but had moderate fatigue and lightheadedness for several weeks. I was evaluated by my PCP who suspected BPPV but said if it happened again after receiving the flu shot to be evaluated again.

I did not get flu shot last fall (2016) because I was out of work to care for a terminally ill family member. Went back to work this month (May 2017) and had to receive flu shot as CDC was still recommending it. Once again I am experiencing vertigo, lightheadedness, fatigue and general "foggy" feeling that makes it hard to concentrate.

Anyone else ever experience this post-flu shot? Has anyone here refused the shot and worn the mask instead? How was that.

I'm in my 30's, have never had any serious health problems before this. I'm very physically fit and eat healthily. I'm going to PCP next month. I've never been opposed to mandatory vaccination before, but am obviously having some problems with it now. Any advice on how to proceed in terms of the flu shot next year would be appreciated.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

We are sorry to hear of this. While we can't provide medical advice we can offer support. Have you contacted your Occ Health dept?

[Kenmore1009]

I haven't done that yet. But am planning to this afternoon.

[SiwanRN]

Per TOS we can't offer medical advice. Hopefully your occupational health department or primary care provider can give you good answers, and I hope you get to feeling better soon.

[Kenmore1009]

Thanks, not looking for medical advice. Wondering how other RN's or health care workers have navigated refusing the flu shot. Wondering if others have refused and worn the mask and how it affected their practice. Wearing a mask for 6 months of the year is not something I would want to do but I am realizing it might be my best option.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Thanks, not looking for medical advice. Wondering how other RN's or health care workers have navigated refusing the flu shot. Wondering if others have refused and worn the mask and how it affected their practice. Wearing a mask for 6 months of the year is not something I would want to do but I am realizing it might be my best option.

That's what my coworkers who refuse the flu shot have to do: mask up. The mask hasn't really affected their practice AFAIK, though I'll ask one of them because I'm kind of curious about it myself.

They may not like having to do it, but they like being employed more. And no, it's not discrimination if you refuse the shot and are removed from direct patient care/disciplined/terminated as a result.

[Kenmore1009]

Thanks Meriwhen. I imagine it is very annoying wearing a mask half the year, but like you said with your coworkers, it's better than being unemployed. And I guess for me it's better than having vertigo for several weeks every year.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

You'll have to check your employer's policies. Mine will allow exemption for medical reasons. I'm honestly not sure what happens if you don't get the shot, but I know we don't permit wearing masks for patient care (unless the patient is on precautions, of course).