Forced to get flu shot or wear a mask

Nurses General Nursing

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Recently I heard our hospital will be forcing everyone to get a flu shot or they will have to wear a mask for their entire shift. I have had a reaction to it and usually just boost my immune system during flu season and this works well. I was told that even if we have had a reaction in the past and still don't get it, we wear a mask. This does not sit well with many of us at the hospital. Was wondering if others have experienced this and what they did.

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If the policy is to get a flu shot or wear a mask, then I guess you'd better do one or the other.

I get a flu shot every year.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Yes, most of us have already experienced this. You will find many, many threads on the subject.

And no, there is no recourse. Whether or not it "sits well" with you and your colleagues, you must wear a mask while at work. It is simply a matter of basic patient safety.

Some folks who have had a less-than-serious reaction to the vaccine have reconsidered their decision to avoid it.

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And then there was this gem.

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/the-controversy-mandatory-1005984.html

Pretty sure we'll be seeing a return of our favorite character CL.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I had my allergist write a note saying he didn't want me getting the flu vaccine and wearing a mask would be a burden with my severe asthma. I still got told it's one or the other. I ended up getting the vaccine predmedicated with Benadryl and hydrocortisone. And I still support policies like this.

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Better than the option of get the shot or voluntarily terminate your position.

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.
I had my allergist write a note saying he didn't want me getting the flu vaccine and wearing a mask would be a burden with my severe asthma. I still got told it's one or the other. I ended up getting the vaccine predmedicated with Benadryl and hydrocortisone. And I still support policies like this.

Same story. Ended with intradermal vaccine.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

*Makes popcorn and settles into recliner for the duration

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Pretty sure we'll be seeing a return of our favorite character CL.

I thought I was the favorite character :(

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
Recently I heard our hospital will be forcing everyone to get a flu shot or they will have to wear a mask for their entire shift. I have had a reaction to it and usually just boost my immune system during flu season and this works well. I was told that even if we have had a reaction in the past and still don't get it, we wear a mask. This does not sit well with many of us at the hospital. Was wondering if others have experienced this and what they did.

I am not sure how you boost your immune system but your facility probably won't accept it as effective immunity, so will need a mask. It protects both you and the patient, good all around.

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