2020-2021 influenza vaccine

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Specializes in clinic nurse.

Hello -- I am looking for information on this year's (2020-2021) influenza vaccine. I will go to the CDC web site, but I also wanted to check in with allnurses to hear from nurses on their own experiences and what they've learned as well as their thoughts on giving it to their families, whether or not colleagues have gotten it and giving it to patients. I am interested in the notion of whether or not should be mandatory, and will explore the discussion on allnurses that has already taken place - which is to say in this thread I hope not to generate a discussion on that right now! Just want to hear what nurses are learning and experiencing in their own words about this years flu vaccine. Thanks!

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20 minutes ago, JVBT said:

Hello -- I am looking for information on this year's (2020-2021) influenza vaccine. I will go to the CDC web site, but I also wanted to check in with allnurses to hear from nurses on their own experiences and what they've learned as well as their thoughts on giving it to their families, whether or not colleagues have gotten it and giving it to patients. I am interested in the notion of whether or not should be mandatory, and will explore the discussion on allnurses that has already taken place - which is to say in this thread I hope not to generate a discussion on that right now! Just want to hear what nurses are learning and experiencing in their own words about this years flu vaccine. Thanks!

I’m not really sure what kind of information you’re looking for? I plan on getting it later this fall, as I do every year. Most of my coworkers, nurses and physicians, usually do as well. (It’s offered at work but it’s not mandatory). Like I said, I always get it but I feel that it’s especially important this season, due to the ongoing pandemic.

https://www.who.int/influenza/vaccines/virus/recommendations/2020-21_north/en/

 

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Specializes in clinic nurse.
25 minutes ago, macawake said:

I’m not really sure what kind of information you’re looking for? I plan on getting it later this fall, as I do every year. Most of my coworkers, nurses and physicians, usually do as well. (It’s offered at work but it’s not mandatory). Like I said, I always get it but I feel that it’s especially important this season, due to the ongoing pandemic.

https://www.who.int/influenza/vaccines/virus/recommendations/2020-21_north/en/

 

Yep, just this kind of thing. Anything (almost) and everything. I'm also looking forward to hearing from people who've had the vaccine and want to share what experiences they've had with the vaccine and also trying to convince others to get it. Have nurses changed their educational approach? I really don't want to give more examples of what I'm looking for, just want to hear what people have to say. Thanks for responding!

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

I already got mine. I know it was early, but I didn't want to have to deal with lines, or inconvenient times to get mine, as I have to fit it in outside my work hours. Sometimes that isn't easy.

Both of my agencies require that we get the flu vaccine.

One of my clients already got his, at a routine doctor appointment. The other plans to get hers, as always.

I don't bring up vaccines with extended family or strangers, but I'm always ready to answer why getting the flu vaccine is strongly recommended. (I have some antivaxxers in my extended family, and some of them are so ready to argue. They know where I stand.)

When they put nonsense on face book, I usually respond with a ZDOGGMD video or some other website that answers the subject. If they argue back, I usually let it go. I don't engage in arguments. 

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The annual flu vaccine is a requirement for continued employment where I work.  My only issue with this is that, in my opinion they require it too early in th flu season.  Regardless of that, I have gotten the flu vaccine every year except one, and that was the year that I got the flu.  

 

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Specializes in Long term care.

Flu vaccine is and always has been mandatory where I work for both staff & patients.

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Specializes in Critical care, tele, Medical-Surgical.

I'm old and retired. Just got my vaccination last Thursday at the Rite Aid pharmacy.

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

I got mine at Walgreens.

 

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Specializes in clinic nurse.
On 9/6/2020 at 3:05 PM, herring_RN said:

I'm old and retired. Just got my vaccination last Thursday at the Rite Aid pharmacy.

I used to love getting my flu vax at Rite Aid! I think now they're a Walgreens though.

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Specializes in clinic nurse.

Hopefully I'll be getting my flu vaccine today. My idea is to put some amount of time between my flu vax and the possibility of 1) getting sick with either C19 or the flu; and/or 2) a possible Covid vaccine. I'm aware of those who say to not get the flu vaccine too early. I've always gotten mine (since I started getting them again) in September.

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.
2 hours ago, JVBT said:

Hopefully I'll be getting my flu vaccine today. My idea is to put some amount of time between my flu vax and the possibility of 1) getting sick with either C19 or the flu; and/or 2) a possible Covid vaccine. I'm aware of those who say to not get the flu vaccine too early. I've always gotten mine (since I started getting them again) in September.

That's a good point, about putting some space between the 2 vaccines.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

My state has made it a mandatory vaccination for school effective 1/1/2021 which has generated lots of new discussion on the topic around here. 

I have been encouraging all of my patients (adult internal med) to get their IIV4/RIV4 vaccine on the early side this year, and if they are a patient that doesn't always get a flu shot that this is an important year to get one and give them an opportunity to ask questions/address their concerns. 

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