School in MA threatening to "kick me out" if I do not get Hep B shot

NJNursing, ASN, RN · Dec 9, 2005

I live in NJ (obviously) and our school requires the Hep B shot. I really didn't want it, but it was mandatory by law. It was explained to me that it is for legal reasons that we have to have it that if a student happened to be careless (as students tend to be because they ARE learning) and contract Hep B, that they student can't turn around and sue the school or hospital for negligence or whatever BS people might want to sue for these days. My school also requires MMR titers, current tetorifice shots, PPD tests and a few other things too. It's because these things are easy to catch/spread in a hospital. So really it's a liability to the school/hospital if they don't make you get the Hep B vaccine. Especially in more highly populated/metropolian areas.

Trauma Columnist · Dec 9, 2005

I can't speak to nursing school, but I know the hospitals request we be immunized for hep B, but do not require it. This has been in Nevada, Indiana and Illinois.

SouthernLPN2RN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Dec 9, 2005

Thank you :).
While I realize that people may have very strong feelings about the need for vaccines, it's important to understand that others may be equally rooted in different beliefs. Respectful responses are requested.

My apologies if I came across as being rude. I didn't post to start a debate, just thinking out loud I guess.

SouthernLPN2RN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Dec 9, 2005

I can't speak to nursing school, but I know the hospitals request we be immunized for hep B, but do not require it. This has been in Nevada, Indiana and Illinois.

I don't know about my school, it wasn't listed as an option on the cpx form, but it is optional (with waiver) at the affiliated hospital.

BonnieSc · Dec 9, 2005

It was explained to me that it is for legal reasons that we have to have it that if a student happened to be careless (as students tend to be because they ARE learning) and contract Hep B, that they student can't turn around and sue the school or hospital for negligence or whatever BS people might want to sue for these days. .
This is not about being careless! Plenty of excellent RNs get needlesticks. No matter how careful you're being, the patient is unpredictable.

bowkerj · Dec 9, 2005

I was wondering if this has happened to anyone else? I posted yesterday, and several people said that at their schools they could sign a waiver and opt not to get the hep. b vaccine. Well, I tried to get a waiver and school says, no waiver available. Get the shot or get out! Is this legal? Again, I don't wish to get into a debate pro/con vaccines. I feel it is a very personal decision. BTW, I have all the other required vaccines. I was also able to sign a waiver to get out of the menigitis vaccine. Anyone have any similar experience? I am scheduled to start clinicals mid January.

I guess it boils down to how much you want to attend that particular school. You could always go to another school that does not require the vaccine. If you really want to be in this particular program you may just have to get vaccinated.

J - BSN 2008

planecrazy · Dec 9, 2005

I guess it boils down to how much you want to attend that particular school. You could always go to another school that does not require the vaccine. If you really want to be in this particular program you may just have to get vaccinated.
J - BSN 2008

I do want to attend nursing school, very much so. I am just wondering if I try to attend a different school, if I will encounter the same problem? I guess I wasn't completely clear in my OP, the reason why I don't get vaccines, is that it goes against my religious beliefs. I really didn't want to get into that part of it because it is very personal, and I know that vaccines are a hot button issue with many people.

I do want to attend nursing school, but I will not compromise my beliefs. I was just wanting to find out what others have gone through. I am in no way trying to "bend the rules" as someone posted. I am not whining about it either. I am on this forum to get information so I can try to navigate my way through this difficult situation.

I want to thank all who have given me their kind words and wishes.

Leda · Dec 9, 2005

Planecrazy,

The law in Massachusetts does allow for a religious exemption from the Hepatitis B vaccine. Given that you meet this exemption, this is the point you need to discuss with the appropriate people in the nursing program (i.e. director). This would be the place to start, if you haven't done so already.

There are public colleges in Massachusetts that allow for a religious exemption from the Hepatitis B vaccine. However, it does seem that the private colleges and nursing programs in Massachusetts have a more stringent standard. As I mentioned in a prior post, this stricter standard is necessary in order for the nursing program to meet the requirements of the affiliated clinical agencies.

My understanding is that it is a liability issue. The nursing programs and the clinical agencies don't won't to risk having a student that is not immunized against Hepatitis B caring for patients as there is no 100%, fool-proof way to prevent exposure in the clinical area. If the clinical agencies require every student to be immunized, the nursing program will not be able to make any exceptions to this requirement.

The appropriate way for you to procede is to:

1. Obtain a copy of the Massachusetts law specific to immunization requirements for health science majors in Massachusetts colleges.

2. Review all published policies specific to immunization requirements for your college (to see if they allow for a religious exemption).

3. Use the above materials to present your reasons for seeking an exemption from the immunization requirements.

If the college has clearly published policies that don't allow for a religious exemption, then the odds are not in your favor that you would be able to continue in the nursing program. I do appreciate how upsetting that would be for you because the waiting lists at the public nursing programs are quite long.

Best wishes, as you go through this process.