(So glad I stumbled across this website again after almost 6 years! I need to change my username because I am not an aspiring nurse anymore, I have been a nurse for almost 3 years! ?)
Anyway, I really do not want to take this new covid vaccine. I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way. Typically I am not an anti-vaxxer but something about this illness is making me think otherwise. For personal reasons I really do not want to take it when available at my hospital, but I’m afraid it will be mandatory. I am almost considering finding a new job if my hospital forces us all to take it. What a shame because I do like my job and wouldn’t know what else to turn to that isn’t nursing, because chances are most healthcare related places of employment will likely require all employees take it.
I want to use the excuse of it being against my religion but I already took the flu vaccine this year. I have nothing against the flu vaccine but didn’t necessarily want it, but my hospital practically FORCED everyone to take it unless they grant you an exemption. I’m afraid they’ll question me why I took the flu shot but cannot take the covid vaccine.
What do you guys think about this? Will you be taking the vaccine? I just want us to be able to make our own decisions about this. If patients can refuse medications, procedures, and treatments, why can’t healthcare workers do the same? I read in multiple articles it will not be required by the federal government but each state and employer can decide whether or not it will be mandatory.
And forget the $1500 “stimulus check” that may be offered if you take it. All the money in the world would not change my mind about taking the vaccine. I feel as though if you have to bribe people to take it, something is peculiar.
I don’t know why this is bothering me so much. It should be a choice in my opinion. But by telling a few friends about not wanting it I feel judged. I have worked with covid patients multiple times since I am one of the younger nurses who does not have any kids/am pregnant. I feel like week after week I was always chosen to go to the covid section. At first I was mad but now it doesn’t bother me. I am not afraid to be near covid patients. Luckily through all this time I haven’t caught it. I always tell people I’d rather catch it than get this vaccine. That’s how strongly I feel against taking the vaccine. All of my non-nursing who have had covid are covered and thriving. To me catching it isn’t the biggest deal but others have called me selfish because I could be spreading it to others. Why is it looked at as selfish for not wanting to inject something into MY body. #mybodymychoice
Am I thinking about this too much? What would you do?
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
1 hour ago, myoglobin said:
I still don't understand why when I worked for an HCA hospital that these policies existed:
a. Mandatory vaccines for RN's but not MD's. and family members. What is the point in only having one segment of the staff vaccinated?
b. Why were we allowed (even encouraged considering we only got five misses per year even with excuses before we received write ups) to come to work sick with the flu (in spite of having received vaccinations, given that they are only about 50% effective for the flu), but not allowed to work without being vaccinated.
I do believe/hope that the "waiver" approval of this vaccine makes these mandatory vaccinations for covid at least delayed by several years.
Maybe you could start a discussion in the political club about government allowing corporations run rough shod over the citizens. That might be interesting.
I think that I'm best served by making vaccination decisions after considering facts, data, evidence and weighing risk v reward. I encourage my circle of influence to also rely upon reason and logic, rather than fears to make health decisions.
We have radically different belief systems. I believe that vaccination should be completely voluntary. I believe that strong immigration laws that are enforced are vital to a sovereign people, I believe that Second amendment protections including so called "assault weapons" are the last bastion against oppressive governments or riots in protecting your family (or hunting for food if you end up living in a grid down scenario). I believe abortion is killing of the unborn and that the way it is implemented disproportionately in minority communities amounts to attempt to suppress minority births. That's okay, people can see the world very differently. It's just that I seek to live somewhere, where I can live as close to my perspectives/views as free from interference as possible. If I had your perspectives (and right of center politicians took control of the Presidency, both houses of Congress, and the Supreme Court) I would do the same only my options would be different. I might seek to move to California, Seattle, Portland, Mass or perhaps even Canada (if that was possible). As it is one of the better options seems to be Wyoming. I am open to other suggestions if you have them.
The root of your complaint seems to be that your rights are being violated or threatened, but the problem is the rights your referring to don't actually exist.
Whether so called "assault weapons" are protected by the second amendment has been settled law for a while now, the Supreme Court, specifically the conservative justices of the SC ruled that they aren't protected and can be regulated or even banned outright.
Society as a whole has rights, not just yourself, which involves balancing everyone's rights, not putting your perceived rights above everyone else's so that others have no rights, that's what Liberty is.
As for the "church" issue some states outlawed the free assembly guaranteed in the First Amendment for Church Services while at the same time allowing gatherings for things like BLM. I believe that states like Wyoming might be less likely (even than Florida) to do this As for so called "assault weapons" many (perhaps millions) of my brothers and sisters will only give them up if in the words of Charlton Heston when they are pried from our "cold dead hands" If that is likely to happen I believe that on a plethora of issues ranging from mandatory covid vaccination to many others that states like Wyoming (perhaps Texas as well) might offer the best chance to avoid that fate. There are states that may choose to "nullify" or at least ignore federal law to one extent or another in the same way some states have done so with THC laws. Also some states have constitutional exceptions written in to there state constitutions that exceed those of the federal government. Traditionally, there has been a higher burden to interfere with a state when "state" constitutional protections are involved (it traditionally has had to rise to the level of a fundamental right at the federal level to do this as with civil rights protections). As for whether or not I will take the vaccine if persuaded by science. Maybe, but never because it is required In the words of Benjamin Franklin "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety."
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
It's my impression that most health professionals are advocates of informed consent and right of refusal. Am I wrong?
Hopefully the CDC is going to launch a HUGE messaging campaign to get people motivated about getting this vaccine. Seems like there are some celebrities and sports stars who might have time to make a video or two. I know that I will be attempting to be an advocate. We need more than 75% of the population to be vaccinated or immune to achieve any meaningful herd immunity. That might be a struggle today but I think that more and more people will be reassured as the national messaging becomes more focused and cohesive.
Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU.
1 minute ago, toomuchbaloney said:
It's my impression that most health professionals are advocates of informed consent and right of refusal. Am I wrong?
Hopefully the CDC is going to launch a HUGE messaging campaign to get people motivated about getting this vaccine. Seems like there are some celebrities and sports stars who might have time to make a video or two. I know that I will be attempting to be an advocate. We need more than 75% of the population to be vaccinated or immune to achieve any meaningful herd immunity. That might be a struggle today but I think that more and more people will be reassured as the national messaging becomes more focused and cohesive.
I truly think that a lot of people don't WANT to believe that the vaccine is effective no matter how much data is presented to them.
I truly think that a lot of people don't WANT to believe that the vaccine is effective no matter how much data is presented to them.
I believe the vaccine is probably very effective and probably is very safe and yet would not want if it is forced upon me even if it meant prison or death. I remain bitter from the years I was forced to take a largely ineffective flu vaccine on pain off keeping my ICU job. It is the principle that matters most to many of us. I have been positive (and subsequently negative) twice for this virus with the most minor of symptoms (like a common cold, but the first time there were elements of conjunctivitis). At 51 I had greater than a 99.6 percent chance of survival. Many of us believe that although serious this disease usually only kills those who would have otherwise passed from other reasons within a few years of coexisting morbidity or age. Even if I took the vaccine now I would also be subject from any long term consequences from previous infection twice (that I know of).
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
11 minutes ago, myoglobin said:
I believe the vaccine is probably very effective and probably is very safe and yet would not want if it is forced upon me even if it meant prison or death. I remain bitter from the years I was forced to take a largely ineffective flu vaccine on pain off keeping my ICU job. It is the principle that matters most to many of us. I have been positive (and subsequently negative) twice for this virus with the most minor of symptoms (like a common cold, but the first time there were elements of conjunctivitis). At 51 I had greater than a 99.6 percent chance of survival. Many of us believe that although serious this disease usually only kills those who would have otherwise passed from other reasons within a few years of coexisting morbidity or age. Even if I took the vaccine now I would also be subject from any long term consequences from previous infection twice (that I know of).
Bolded for attention
That sort of makes it sound like those deaths are acceptable, in your view. The sentiment struck me as a very cavalier attitude about the rampant suffering and death because so many americans refuse to take this pandemic seriously.
No one is going to force you to get vaccinated. You might have to make uncomfortable employment choices based upon your described aversion to employer mandated vaccination. Apparently you may also be inclined to move your entire household to avoid vaccination, but it's extremely unlikely that you will be forced to vaccinate by the Biden government.
Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU.
2 minutes ago, toomuchbaloney said:
Bolded for attention
That sort of makes it sound like those deaths are acceptable, in your view. The sentiment struck me as a very cavalier attitude about the rampant suffering and death because so many americans refuse to take this pandemic seriously.
No one is going to force you to get vaccinated. You might have to make uncomfortable employment choices based upon your described aversion to employer mandated vaccination. Apparently you may also be inclined to move your entire household to avoid vaccination, but it's extremely unlikely that you will be forced to vaccinate by the Biden government.
Look at the conditions in nursing homes in America. People think that since they're already at the end of their lives that it doesn't matter if they die, the pandemic certainly hasn't changed that attitude.
Last week we were told the vaccine would be mandatory in our nursing home for all staff. Today, we were told it is NOT going to be mandatory AND they are offering $50 to anyone who gets the vaccine NOW while we have first stabs at it.
As long as the vaccine is under emergency release no employer can make it mandatory. The only way the military can is by Presidential order.
I will not be getting the vaccine until there are complete studies. One of the lines of thinking about Gulf War Syndrome is all the vaccines military members had to take.
I also have put that I do not want the vaccine now. I am a type 1 diabetic for almost 40 years & want to know how this vaccine will impact them.
I’ve have attempted to look up the data throughout the trials but the information the vaccine companies released are limited.
On top of it, I was checked once by my employer & once recently on my own 6 months later & am positive for antibodies although never sick. So, my other question is what a vaccine would do for me now. Maybe they should be doing titers like they do for other vaccines
(So glad I stumbled across this website again after almost 6 years! I need to change my username because I am not an aspiring nurse anymore, I have been a nurse for almost 3 years! ?)
Anyway, I really do not want to take this new covid vaccine. I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way. Typically I am not an anti-vaxxer but something about this illness is making me think otherwise. For personal reasons I really do not want to take it when available at my hospital, but I’m afraid it will be mandatory. I am almost considering finding a new job if my hospital forces us all to take it. What a shame because I do like my job and wouldn’t know what else to turn to that isn’t nursing, because chances are most healthcare related places of employment will likely require all employees take it.
I want to use the excuse of it being against my religion but I already took the flu vaccine this year. I have nothing against the flu vaccine but didn’t necessarily want it, but my hospital practically FORCED everyone to take it unless they grant you an exemption. I’m afraid they’ll question me why I took the flu shot but cannot take the covid vaccine.
What do you guys think about this? Will you be taking the vaccine? I just want us to be able to make our own decisions about this. If patients can refuse medications, procedures, and treatments, why can’t healthcare workers do the same? I read in multiple articles it will not be required by the federal government but each state and employer can decide whether or not it will be mandatory.
And forget the $1500 “stimulus check” that may be offered if you take it. All the money in the world would not change my mind about taking the vaccine. I feel as though if you have to bribe people to take it, something is peculiar.
I don’t know why this is bothering me so much. It should be a choice in my opinion. But by telling a few friends about not wanting it I feel judged. I have worked with covid patients multiple times since I am one of the younger nurses who does not have any kids/am pregnant. I feel like week after week I was always chosen to go to the covid section. At first I was mad but now it doesn’t bother me. I am not afraid to be near covid patients. Luckily through all this time I haven’t caught it. I always tell people I’d rather catch it than get this vaccine. That’s how strongly I feel against taking the vaccine. All of my non-nursing who have had covid are covered and thriving. To me catching it isn’t the biggest deal but others have called me selfish because I could be spreading it to others. Why is it looked at as selfish for not wanting to inject something into MY body. #mybodymychoice
Am I thinking about this too much? What would
1. you are not alone. Literally millions of healthcare workers out are there feeling exactly like you right now.
2. If your employer makes it mandatory likely another employer will not. Being that there are staffing shortage crises almost everywhere employers may see the significance in allowing their employees freedom of choice in terms of supply and demand. Also unions are protecting healthcare workers rights in this area, you can look for hospitals with unions in place if it becomes an issue down the road.
3. Only make the choice to get the vaccine if you want it and feel comfortable taking it. Do not take the vaccine due to pressure from employers, peers, family etc. This is the test of your true integrity to yourself. You don’t need to explain yourself to anyone. Don’t feel the need to further engage or explain yourself if someone is pushing you or crossing any boundaries into your personal health and medical care decisions, that is their problem. You know who you are, you know you aren’t anti vaccine altogether, so who cares what anyone else thinks. Simply say, I’m not comfortable at this time, know that ultimately that is enough. You might be judged but stay strong you are not alone.
but I’m afraid it will be mandatory. I am almost considering finding a new job if my hospital forces us all to take it
I've been an RN mostly in hospital settings for over 30 years now. I've seen way too much. I now work in care mgmt for our trauma team. My exposure to covid patients is more limited but my bedside nursing friends are exhausted from all the covid patients. Even if I were in my 20's I would never say or think I'd rather catch it than take the vaccine. We are already seeing the short term affects of covid... sure lots have no symptoms but no one is guaranteed that outcome, the heart and lung damage alone is pretty severe. My 20 something coworkers, most of them, are anxious to hurry up and get it. I'm getting it but did put a lot of effort into reading about it and listening to talks for ID docs and pulmonary docs and cards docs here at my hospital. Yep you better believe I am taking it.
Like most places Flu vaccines are mandatory here. The covid vaccine which we start getting on Friday this week, 12/18/20, is not mandatory. I've heard rumors about a stimulus but I don't need that to be willing to take it. I don't look at it as a bribe either though. That $1500 bucks is a drop in the bucket compared to the costs everyone incurs from 1 hospitalized or even symptomatic at home. I also don't think the $1500 is actually a bribe.
A dear friend, a doctor, got covid a few weeks back, she's in her mid 30's, a runner, super healthy has a 1 year old... she got it and brought it home to her hubby and child... my doc friend got it bad, she was so so sick. She is still trying to get back her energy and stamina and still has some symptoms lingering. It's been almost 2 months. No thank you. I don't want to risk it. You just never know if you will be a lucky host of the virus or prone on a vent 2 days later. Plus I want to contribute to slowing the virus down in every way I can. I want to protect others and especially my family where I can.
toomuchbaloney
16,032 Posts
Maybe you could start a discussion in the political club about government allowing corporations run rough shod over the citizens. That might be interesting.
I think that I'm best served by making vaccination decisions after considering facts, data, evidence and weighing risk v reward. I encourage my circle of influence to also rely upon reason and logic, rather than fears to make health decisions.