Mandatory flu shots????

ajjones1322 · Mar 4, 2013

I have never had a flu shot. I read a nice article recently that talked about how the flu shot this year was only effective in 9% of the cases. Wow. 9%. That is terrible. Why do they teach us about drugs and developing resistance to them only to force us to have resistance to treatment. Just my thoughts. But if the school makes you and it is that one time, then why not.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2013

This is an ongoing discussion amongst nurses....moved to the Pandemic Flu

forum.......for best response

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Mar 4, 2013

Good day:

Speaking of the FDA, what was their track record on Aprotinin?

How many deaths occurred over how many years from this drug before the FDA pulled it? How much did Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation make from the drug, Aprotinin? How often was the FDA advised to pull the drug, but did not pull it (could it be due to financial incentives to keep it on the market longer)? What did it finally take for the FDA to pull this drug off the market? In the mean time, how much did Bayer make again?

I don't equate the flu vaccine with other vaccines as most vaccines do not include the poison, mercury.

In the end, I may also have to face the mandatory flu injection issue if I'm accepted into nursing school. And if I understand it correctly, it would be at least two injections - one per year for their AD program. In my case, I was told that one can sign a waiver; so if I get accepted, I would be looking at that option vs. injecting something that may work in the single digit %'s of the time and include mercury into my body.

Thank you.

Terriblysns · Mar 4, 2013

Good day:
Speaking of the FDA, what was their track record on Aprotinin?
How many deaths occurred over how many years from this drug before the FDA pulled it? How much did Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation make from the drug, Aprotinin? How often was the FDA advised to pull the drug, but did not pull it (could it be due to financial incentives to keep it on the market longer)? What did it finally take for the FDA to pull this drug off the market? In the mean time, how much did Bayer make again?
I don't equate the flu vaccine with other vaccines as most vaccines do not include the poison, mercury.
In the end, I may also have to face the mandatory flu injection issue if I'm accepted into nursing school. And if I understand it correctly, it would be at least two injections - one per year for their AD program. In my case, I was told that one can sign a waiver; so if I get accepted, I would be looking at that option vs. injecting something that may work in the single digit %'s of the time and include mercury into my body.
Thank you.

You should do more research on Thimerosal. I wish you the best in your pursuits of your AD.

blongor · Mar 4, 2013

I know. It's the CDC, a far more reliable source for actual research-based information. OSHA works with the legal implications of mandatory industry standards; if you want information on the research behind the reason for getting vaccines for health care workers, refer to the CDC. And refer your patients to the CDC for any kind of epidemiological data.

Terriblysns · Mar 4, 2013

I know. It's the CDC a far more reliable source for actual research-based information. OSHA works with the legal implications of mandatory industry standards; if you want information on the research behind the reason for getting vaccines for health care workers, refer to the CDC. And refer your patients to the CDC for any kind of epidemiological data.[/quote']
I agree!

Katieerin · Mar 5, 2013

Our bodies naturally contain mercury, fish contain mercury, amalgam contains mercury. It's everywhere even in the air we breath, find something else to go on. 9% is better than 0% , especially when you think of how many people live in this country , and how many people get the shot and how many don't.

txsandncshells · Mar 5, 2013

EXCUSE ME ???? I'm running into the same problem. What happened to MY civil rights? Since when is it ok for others to decide what is best for MY health issues?? Are you people crazy or just SHEEP? NO ONE and I mean NO ONE has the right to tell me I MUST be vaccinated for a virus that changes EVERY year!! They aren't even sure what side effects or how efficient this flu vaccine is!!! I will ALWAYS maintain my right to decide for myself any and all my health issues, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! That is what your brain is for, USE it! Just as our patients have the right to refuse, so do we.

elkpark · Mar 5, 2013

EXCUSE ME ???? I'm running into the same problem. What happened to MY civil rights? Since when is it ok for others to decide what is best for MY health issues?? Are you people crazy or just SHEEP? NO ONE and I mean NO ONE has the right to tell me I MUST be vaccinated for a virus that changes EVERY year!! They aren't even sure what side effects or how efficient this flu vaccine is!!! I will ALWAYS maintain my right to decide for myself any and all my health issues, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! That is what your brain is for, USE it! Just as our patients have the right to refuse, so do we.

You're right, no one has the right to tell you you must be vaccinated. You are free to choose to work for an employer that doesn't require you to be vaccinated, or to try to find a school of nursing (if you're not yet a nurse) that has clinical sites that won't require you to be vaccinated. That might work out for you, or it might not. Best wishes!

loriangel14, RN · Mar 5, 2013

You have the right to refuse. Just as they have the right to refuse you entry into nursing school or a job.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2013

Good day:

"Our bodies naturally contain mercury, fish contain mercury, amalgam contains mercury. It's everywhere even in the air we breath, find something else to go on. 9% is better than 0%"

What % of mercury compared to what's in the flu shot?

Is mercury a poison or not a poison?

Is http://ecochildsplay.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/400061_482559518463336_774322065_n.png troubling in terms of how much mercury is in the flu shot?

Considering 9%... there's an old saying... if something does not work consistently, then it is broken. If your car only worked 9% of the time, would you replace it with something that works 100% of the time or keep insisting it is a valid vehicle that you will use every day to get to work?

Thank you.

Terriblysns · Mar 5, 2013

First of all, it's not mercury so stop calling it mercury, and do your research. Secondly, I'm happy the flu vaccine is apparently a good filter although it wasn't meant to be. I'm very thankful that there are certain nurses who will never be by my bedside. Thanks flu shot. Influenza causes more than 200,000 people in the U.S. to be hospitalized every year. All of which encounter multiple nurses. Up to 49,000 people die each year from flu-related causes. Prevention is key.

Ideally, you should get the seasonal flu vaccine by Thanksgiving -- the holiday season means hugs and kisses, which help spread the flu virus. However, getting vaccinated with the flu shot makes sense any time during flu season, which may last from September to May.

Severe allergy to eggs? Then flu vaccines -- which are cultivated inside chicken eggs - may not be safe for you. Talk to your doctor to be sure. There are more options.

Concern that there's a link between autism and the vaccine preservative thimerosal (NOT MECURY) has prevented some parents from getting their kids vaccinated. Worry no more. Studies have found that there is no link between vaccines containing thimerosal and autism. And if you’re still worried, thimerosal-free flu vaccines are now the standard for children in the U.S. -- and available to adults for the asking.

Stuck on the fact that you need to get vaccinated every year? There's a good reason. Flu viruses change, so flu vaccines must change, too. Each year's vaccine is unique, cultivated from the flu strains health officials believe will be most menacing that year.

And in the end find another career if you don't like the standards. You are fighting a machine that has more options and makes more sense than the average 1st grader. How does one cure the sick when they are more than likely making the sick sicker?