Mandatory Flu vaccine

canusgrandus · Sep 21, 2009

Anything mandatory needs to be scrutinized and those who mandate things must accept total responsibility for all issues that arise, including lawsuits. :argue::argue:

MeganNYRN · Sep 21, 2009

I don't like the idea of getting any shot or med and having no recourse if something goes terribly wrong. I'll admit that considering the massive number of people who for the swine flu vaccine in '76, very few people developed Guillain-Barre, and even fewer still died.
But Jeez, I sure don't want to be one of those few! Who would?
The fact is more people died from that freakin' shot than died from that strain of flu that year.

Actually there is recourse for people that have serious adverse reactions, its called the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. I don't think there is reason to fear the seasonal flu shot, they make this every year. The swine flu shot makes me nervous and I won't be running to get it but I will get it to protect the immunosuppressed kids I care for. I just hope everyone remembers that our patients need us and we owe it to give them the best care we can provide, that should include getting vaccinated and not going to work if you are sick.

IndigoCarmine · Sep 22, 2009

Actually there is recourse for people that have serious adverse reactions, its called the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. I don't think there is reason to fear the seasonal flu shot, they make this every year. The swine flu shot makes me nervous and I won't be running to get it but I will get it to protect the immunosuppressed kids I care for. I just hope everyone remembers that our patients need us and we owe it to give them the best care we can provide, that should include getting vaccinated and not going to work if you are sick.

Actually, flu vaccines aren't on the NVIP list.

I don't really fear the standard flu vaccine, either. But the swine flu vaccine gives me the willies.

canusgrandus · Sep 22, 2009

My issue is seeing educated people mindlessly forgeting about their training and spouting off that everyone should do as they believe. Nursing is supposed to be "evidence based", correct? Every vaccine that comes spewing out of a lab is not tested in the same fashion. Professionals that endorse these things should know this before giving credence to such. The vaccine industry counts on your altruism to give their product validity. We all want the best for our patients , that is why we chose our profession. If a product is worth your endorsement you will be provided evidence or you will do the research, right? Otherwise we are just monkeys carying out tasks. Just because it's mandated doesn't make it right. Your license may depend upon it. Think before you drink (the Kool-Aid that is). Thank You Indigo for providing the NVICP list, that should help others to decide for themselves.

amy0123, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2009

Metropolitan hospital had an inservice on the H1N1 and flu vaccines. We were told this is mandated by the government and the state. If the vaccines are refused by Nov 30 then you will be suspended without pay for 2 weeks, and a research report must be written and turned in about the vaccine benefits. After 2 weeks of suspension, you turn in the report with a final decision. If you refuse then you're unemployed and will not be allowed into the building. The only excuses accepted is: #1 severe anaphylactic reaction to eggs. #2 Guillian Barre history. With documented proof, a doctor's OHS, license number for tracking, tracing and investigating. There's no exclusion for conscience decision or religion. Is NY the only state madating this?

canusgrandus · Sep 23, 2009

Maybe I am not understanding you correctly. The burden of proof is on the recipient? How do you prove the negative? someone should be mandated to show that what is being forced upon you is proven to prevent H1N1. This has not been done by anyone, and is not done for any Influenza vaccines because they are the "best guess" as to what each years virus will present to your immune system. I am not saying they are all ineffective but they most certainly are not fullproof. I hope that someone will question the "mandatory" and "it's the law" part of this because I have yet to see this in writing. I think Nurses are in need of nursing advocates. Which politician will step up? :eek:

amy0123, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2009

the law:

subpart 66-3 - health care facility personnel - influenza vaccination requirements

http://www.health.state.ny.us/regulations/emergency/docs/2009-08-13_health_care_personnel_influenza_vaccination_requirements.pdf

can a health care worker who refuses to be vaccinated be fired?

"again, steps like reassignment to non-covered duties is suggested. each organization must comply with this regulation, just as the organization assures that health care personnel must be immunized against measles and rubella."

http://http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/providers/questions_and_answers_-_health_care_worker_mandatory_influenza_immunization.htm

[/url]

"additionally, the organization is responsible for identifying the measures that are needed to protect patients from influenza transmission from personnel who are exempt due to a medical contraindication. the organization covered by these regulations which provides the vaccination must provide it at no cost to their personnel"

http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/providers/2009-08-26_health_care_worker_mandatory_influenza_immunization.htm

amy0123, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2009

Forced to be immunized as a condition of employment.

http://nursing.advanceweb.com/editorial/content/editorial.aspx?cc=207252

canusgrandus · Sep 23, 2009

i see that it the ny state dept of health that took this upon themselves without an emergency mandate. this article will explain it better than i can http://www.nysna.org/advocacy/testimonies/mandated_shots2.htm . aileen gunther is a new york state assembly member who is formerly a nurse (although i don't think you ever stop). i have written her and others might want to do the same http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=098 . make sure you ask who is responsible for creating a mandate without an emergency. and when did they gain such powerful authority. maybe we should be asking how we can get this job? :no:

RuRnurse? · Sep 24, 2009

This is going to backfire. How is New York going to keep their hospitals open if they fire half their workforce?

Someone is going to look very stupid after all this nonsense. You shouldn't make threats unless you know you can back them up.

RNsckofit · Oct 6, 2009

this is going to backfire. how is new york going to keep their hospitals open if they fire half their workforce?
someone is going to look very stupid after all this nonsense. you shouldn't make threats unless you know you can back them up.

i do know that quite a few workers at my hhc hospital have taken or plan to take the long standing seasonal influenza vaccine but the same folk are determined :no: not to take the h1n1 vaccination....many plan on accepting the two weeks suspension...then decide during that time what to do prior to november 30th.

brownmonkey · Oct 10, 2009

Good point - lots of people are up in arms about this, but I haven't heard this way of looking at it. I don't like the "mandated" idea, but it's not worth losing my job and livelihood over. I'll take the shot.