Forced Flu Shots

Lizzie21 · Sep 28, 2010

If you are allergic to the flu shot and it's components then they shouldn't force you to get it. I know at my hospital that if you don't get the flu shot you have to wear a mask during your shift (which sucks). They definitely can't force you, especially if you have a doctors note.

DuluthMike · Sep 28, 2010

Look this is a huge bummer but be very careful with words like discriminatory. 36,000 die from influenza each year. No one is saying you can't work because of your race, religion, or creed. They are saying you could be potentially dangerous. Try to look at it though that lense for a bit to find understanding from their position and then perhaps try to meet in the middle. I know some hospitals allow nurses to opt out if they use N95 respirators.

Best of luck.

happy2learn · Sep 28, 2010

That doesn't make sense. My hospital requires flu shots, but I know people who are allergic to the things that you are who were exempted from the requirement.

MassED, BSN, RN · Sep 28, 2010

Look this is a huge bummer but be very careful with words like discriminatory. 36,000 die from influenza each year. No one is saying you can't work because of your race, religion, or creed. They are saying you could be potentially dangerous. Try to look at it though that lense for a bit to find understanding from their position and then perhaps try to meet in the middle. I know some hospitals allow nurses to opt out if they use N95 respirators.
Best of luck.

I use N95 even with having the flu shot....

UserG · Sep 28, 2010

If it is a medical concern, I think you are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you put it to them that way, they may feel compelled to make a reasonable accommodation (mask).

badphish · Sep 28, 2010

may i suggest the blue smurf suit as used in our biowarfare research facilities.

is there a super flu i dont know about

roser13, ASN, RN · Sep 28, 2010

If it is a medical concern, I think you are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you put it to them that way, they may feel compelled to make a reasonable accommodation (mask).

I doubt that the ADA would consider an egg allergy to be a disability.

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Sep 28, 2010

I think because you are a travel nurse you will not have the usual protections if they have decided to have a zero tolerance stance.

It would be interesting what theiy would do in the case of a regular staff nurse and if they would be protected from this under any of the labor laws that exist.

roser13, ASN, RN · Sep 28, 2010

I think because you are a travel nurse you will not have the usual protections if they have decided to have a zero tolerance stance.
It would be interesting what theiy would do in the case of a regular staff nurse and if they would be protected from this under any of the labor laws that exist.

I doubt it. Employers are allowed to have conditions of employment.

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Sep 28, 2010

FYI, The flu shot this year has the H1N1 already in it.

I didn't take it last year and won't take it this year...this is my facility policy:

1. If you don't take the flu shot, you sign a waiver.

2. If you don't take the shot and get sick, you are forced to take 7 days off...calender days and use PTO time.

3. If you take the shot, and get sick, you still stay home for 7 days and they don't pay for it...you use PTO time.

That is why I am not taking the shot.

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Sep 28, 2010

FYI, The flu shot this year has the H1N1 already in it.
I didn't take it last year and won't take it this year...this is my facility policy:
1. If you don't take the flu shot, you sign a waiver.
2. If you don't take the shot and get sick, you are forced to take 7 days off...calender days and use PTO time.
3. If you take the shot, and get sick, you still stay home for 7 days and they don't pay for it...you use PTO time.
That is why I am not taking the shot.

So you get rewarded by actually getting to stay home if you get sick? :smokin::smokin: