Flu Shots anyone?

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Specializes in Emergency.

Somehow I am tasked this year with increasing our flu vaccination rates.

I used to be a flu shot hater. I never got the shot and I never got the flu. Then one year I got, Flu A, Flu B and the Swine flu. So I get the flu shot now, and haven't had the flu since.

I know all the arguments for NOT getting the vaccine. And I am pretty sure no amount of education will change peoples minds....as they have seen it all before. So, I am wondering WHAT would make those of you who decline the flu vaccine get one?

So far I am thinking about raffling off a paid day off work...for those who do get the vaccine and a "flu care package" for those who sign the declination. But really what would change your mind?

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

The alternative of having to wear a mask for 12.5 hours was motivation enough for me.

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I was much better about getting it when we had it on our units and could give it to each other. Once they changed it to employee health and you had to walk several buildings over to get to it, compliance decreased significantly.

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Specializes in Gerontology.

I think I had a case of H1N1 a few years ago.

I was really sick - to the point I was lying on the bathroom floor because it was so nice and cold praying for death because I hurt in so many places ( Pepper the Real Cat was sitting next to me saying - before you die please fill food bowl!)

I had it all -SOB, high fevers, aches and pains - I never went to ER because I figured they would just tell me to do what I was already doing - take tylenol/advil, fluids and rest. It was a rough few days.

I don't want to feel like that again. It took me WEEKS to get back to normal -

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I don't want to feel like that again. It took me WEEKS to get back to normal -

I have never experienced such pain as when I got the Flu. The worst sore throat I have ever experienced, and whole body excruciating pain, along with a 104 degree fever. I thought I might die, and to be honest, at that time, I would almost have welcomed it. It was absolutely the worst illness I have ever experienced-indescribable, really. I did go to the ER and they gave me Lortab elixir for the pain-when it kicked in, I thought "there really is a God."

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Specializes in OB.

You won't convince those opposed to vaccines to take the flu shot, but you can increase your numbers among those who are ambivalent or "just don't get around to it" by going to the units with the vaccine ON EVERY SHIFT and administering the shots. One of my big beefs is being told that you need to go to employee health for something and they don't open until an hour after my shift ends!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Thanks Horseshoe: we set up shop at the time clock for day and night shift, making it easy for the employees to get it when they are coming in or out of work. But, based on your idea, I will also take some around in a cooler to give on the unit for those who are coming in at odd hours! Thanks!

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Specializes in Emergency.

We have been considering the masking initiative. My biggest concern is that it will be not very enforcable, and with our unique patient population, the masking will cause them fear. Grrrr.

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Specializes in Pedi.

My former hospital chose to make getting flu shots mandatory and threaten termination to anyone who refused. The only reasons one could refuse were 1. documented severe egg allergy or severe allergy to the flu shot and 2. history of Guillain Barre syndrome. I react to the flu shot every time I've ever had it with high fever and severe nausea... I have Diabetes Insipidus so if I start vomiting and can't hold down my ddavp, it's a big deal and would at least land me in the ER if not admitted with dehydration but, it's not anaphylaxis so this hospital didn't care. I don't know if they ever followed through and fired people who didn't get vaccinated.

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I would not fire people over it but the mask initiative seems to me to be the way to roll......

To enforce, but a red sticker on the name badge indicating no flu shot, red badger, wearing no mask, = written up......

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Specializes in Pedi.

The Academy of American Physicians and Surgeons opposes mandatory flu vaccination as well as mask requirements for non-vaccinated workers:

Physicians Oppose Mandatory Flu Vaccine for Health Workers

Letter to Colorado Public Health Officials on Mandatory Influenza Vaccine for Health Care Workers

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What does the CDC say? Listen we have had this same thread a million times.......

We are going to have to follow facility policy or find a new place to work....

Its just that plain....

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