Flu Vac, should it be mandatory

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I work for a facility that is thinking about making the Flu vaccine mandatory in order to work. I personally do not like this idea. I have never gotten the Flu, Pneumonia, or H1N1 for myself or my family. I think that this kind of act is forceful against my free will. It should be my decision not anyone elses. Any thoughts?

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

NOTHING should be mandatory.

It's called autonomy and I will make decisions for myself until the day comes that I am no longer capable of doing so for myself. Then I check out...

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Because it is given as healthcare providers to keep us from transfering it to our patients more than to "protect" us from getting it, I do believe it should be.

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I think that unless one has an allergy to eggs, it's perfectly reasonable for a healthcare facility to require that employees get a flu shot. In any civilized society, the right to autonomy comes with limitations and responsibilities, ie. you do not have the right work in a healthcare facility and spread disease around to the patients if there is a vaccine made available. Arguing that you shouldn't have to get the shot because of your autonomy like arguing that you personally should be allowed to drink and drive because you can hold your liquor.

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Yes it should be if you have a problem with it move on to some other place where it is not required.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

Really? Again with another thread like this? You do have free will and you do have autonomy. Your choice is to not get the vaccine and go work somewhere else. You are not being strapped down and forcefully injected.

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Specializes in FNP.

We've done this to death. In the end, it doesn't matter what we think, and it really doesn't matter what you think. It only matters what your management team thinks. If you don't like what they decide, feel free to refuse to comply and let us know how that works out for you.

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Specializes in Med Surg.

Is it that time of the year already? And I'm not talking about the shots.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Then quit your job and find one that doesn't require it.

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I think it should be mandatory, but with an option for refusal for religious or philosophical reasons. However if you opt out, you have to attend a seminar/class about flu prevention that is mandatory. If you don't do one or the other you lose your job. I think if you provide free shots and state that they are mandatory, most people will get them, especially if it means they have to do more than just sign a waiver. The people who refuse and are willing to go in for "flu education" on their day off are most likely serious enough about their position that it should be respected.

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My hospital givs us a choice. Take the shot or wear a mask every minute you are in the building. If you are cought without the mask before the end of respiratory season you may be terminated. Simple and your autonomy is still intact.

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Because it is given as healthcare providers to keep us from transfering it to our patients more than to "protect" us from getting it, I do believe it should be.

I've heard conflicting reports on whether or not it actually protects other's from getting the flu, but even if it did the flu shot is a guessing game based on last year's strain! So I don't see the reason to force it into my body.

Our hospital says it'll also be making this mandatory btw.

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