flu shot required

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I am currently in an LPN-RN program and today I received an email telling me that the program now requires us to get flu shots. The program has always required flu shots for all students by January 1st but now they are telling us that due to the "unusual circumstances" this year, we are now required to get a shot by October 1st and then again in January. They also said that if a H1N1 vaccine is developed, we will "absolutely" be required to get that as well. I'm a little mad because this is potentially going to mean I have to get vaccinated 4 times this year! (The H1N1 vaccine might be a series of two shots). I am healthy and in my 20s and have never in my life gotten a flu shot and can't recall ever getting the flu. I kind of grumbled about having to get the one vaccine by January but now I'm kind of upset that I will forced to get multiple shots. I know that some people say it's worth it and just do it and stop complaining, but I can't help the way I feel. I don't like being forced to do anything, especially when it comes to my body. I know I probably can't "get out of it", and if we don't get the vaccines we can't go to clinical which means I'd fail. I'm just wondering what others think about this. Anyone else being required to get vaccines?

Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

i am generally against vaccinations, and i know there are no absolutes in anything. many nursing jobs even encourage getting vaccinated, but they can't force you. in the past when i refused vaccines, i was asked to sign some form basically saying if i get sick i did it to myself, i can't come to work, yadda yadda yadda.

i can't see how they would say you absolutely have to get the shot. it's your body, your decision. i dealt with tricky situations in nursing school...those professors aren't gods so i didn't treat them like one. whenever something came up, i addressed it head on and suggest you do the same. i admit, it isn't the way to gain friends, but who cares.

my:twocents:

i am currently in an lpn-rn program and today i received an email telling me that the program now requires us to get flu shots. the program has always required flu shots for all students by january 1st but now they are telling us that due to the "unusual circumstances" this year, we are now required to get a shot by october 1st and then again in january. they also said that if a h1n1 vaccine is developed, we will "absolutely" be required to get that as well. i'm a little mad because this is potentially going to mean i have to get vaccinated 4 times this year! (the h1n1 vaccine might be a series of two shots). i am healthy and in my 20s and have never in my life gotten a flu shot and can't recall ever getting the flu. i kind of grumbled about having to get the one vaccine by january but now i'm kind of upset that i will forced to get multiple shots. i know that some people say it's worth it and just do it and stop complaining, but i can't help the way i feel. i don't like being forced to do anything, especially when it comes to my body. i know i probably can't "get out of it", and if we don't get the vaccines we can't go to clinical which means i'd fail. i'm just wondering what others think about this. anyone else being required to get vaccines?
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Specializes in ER.

One facility around here has said that you're not required to get a flu show HOWEVER if you decline, you will be required to wear a mask during your entire shift from now until March. Bah.

So, if these facilities are so worried about protecting patients from us, why are they not swabbing all the nurses, docs, rad techs, phlebs, etc... for MRSA? Is it because some studies claim that 1 in 2 healthcare providers have colonized MRSA in their nares? I mean, that's testing for an active presence, not a vaccine that may or may not work against the current flu bug, so you would think it would be a higher priority. Of course, with 1 in 2 having to stay home for a few days on ABX, that would cost gobs of money...can't have that now, can we?

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Specializes in LTC.

side question: What if you've already had the flu?

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side question: What if you've already had the flu?

I don't think you become immune if you've had it.. but I'm not an infection control practitioner

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.

My program required titer levels or proof of vaccination for the typical childhood diseases...such as chicken pox, measles, and mumps, in addition to an annual mantoux. While we were not required to get a flu shot, it was strongly recommended. We had them available through my employer free of charge anyway...

We did not have 100% compliance with the flu shot last year, and there were about 6 residents on the long term wings (48pts) who could not have the flu shot for various reasons (allergy to ingredients was the main reason) We had no cases of flu in the facility last year among residents, but did have several cases among staff--go figure, the theoretically healthiest became ill.

This is absolutely for the safety of your pts. H1N1 is already at pandemic levels during the "off" season since it was identified earlier this year. Over 50 children in the US have died so far from H1N1, according to CDC reports. Unless you have a good reason not to be compliant, please get the shots.

I am currently in an LPN-RN program and today I received an email telling me that the program now requires us to get flu shots. The program has always required flu shots for all students by January 1st but now they are telling us that due to the "unusual circumstances" this year, we are now required to get a shot by October 1st and then again in January. They also said that if a H1N1 vaccine is developed, we will "absolutely" be required to get that as well. I'm a little mad because this is potentially going to mean I have to get vaccinated 4 times this year! (The H1N1 vaccine might be a series of two shots). I am healthy and in my 20s and have never in my life gotten a flu shot and can't recall ever getting the flu. I kind of grumbled about having to get the one vaccine by January but now I'm kind of upset that I will forced to get multiple shots. I know that some people say it's worth it and just do it and stop complaining, but I can't help the way I feel. I don't like being forced to do anything, especially when it comes to my body. I know I probably can't "get out of it", and if we don't get the vaccines we can't go to clinical which means I'd fail. I'm just wondering what others think about this. Anyone else being required to get vaccines?
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Specializes in LTC/Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.
side question: what if you've already had the flu?

influenza, like the common cold, mutates. therefore it is necessary to get the vaccine annually. if you have already had h1n1 before the vaccine becomes available, you should be able to provide titer information to the school/work. a couple of links with more information on the flu:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/

"influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. it can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. the best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting a seasonal flu vaccination each year. each year in the united states on average, 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. "

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm

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Specializes in LTC.

I meant this year. I am recovering from the flu as I type this! So when my facility starts offering the vaccinations, will it do any harm for me to get the shots even though I've already been sick?

I guess I could always make an appointment for a titer.

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Specializes in Family Practice.

Are you absolutely positive it's the flu? Did you have a positive culture? We have many patients who swear they have the flu, but then culture negative. So if you're not absolutely sure, I'd say the shot is still necessary.:twocents:

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Specializes in LTC.

Nope, I'm not positive as I didn't get cultured. If it's okay to get the shot after you've already had it then I may as well get it just in case.

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It is now required at my school..which is fine. I get it every year anyways to protect my residents and my husband who has some medical issues. Only the flu vax is required at this point, but I plan on getting the H1N1 if offered.

There are no exceptions at my school except medical. school by not complying.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
I am wondering in regards to the pneumonia vaccine if there is a set age guideline for who may recieve it. I know of the high risk groups, one/5 yrs and the 65 and older. I have read or heard conflicting information about persons that may get it if they are 50 yo and older? Since it's not given as often as mass seasonal flu shots just wondering.

Pneumovax is for people of any age with respiratory issues. If you get it before you are 65, you'll need another vaccine later on. If you get it after the age of 65, you're set for life. The MDPH recommends giving it to ALL residents in a nursing facility if they can't prove they've had it.

As for the H1N1 vaccine, if I were in my 20's, I'd get one. I haven't decided if I'm getting one or not. I was around during the 70's when the swine flu made its rounds. I got a vaccine that year...spiked a temp of 106 and had hallucinations. I'm thinking that we are better at making safer vaccines than we were then, but I'm still unsure.

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I am really surprised by all of this. Whatever happened to letting our bodies do what they are meant to do and take care of ourselves the old fashioned way?

To the OP- I would call a meeting with your school and tell them under no uncertain circumstances that you have no intentions of getting a vaccine that may, or may not protect you, that you have personal ethical reasons to not getting it, and I am sure that a lawyer would be happy to assist you in your legal right to choose NOT to receive the vaccine, should they argue with you.

No one is sticking ANYTHING in me without my express permission and consent. I have never had a flu vaccine, and I certainly would not start now.

The H1N1 problem, in my opinion, is the MRSA scare from 2.5 years ago.....

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