My hospital has instituted a new policy that you are required to have a flu vaccine. If FOR ANY REASON you cannot or will not get one, you must wear a mask from now until they deem the end of flu season. 2 years ago after getting my flu vaccine from employee health, I got a huge localized reaction, red raised hard bump, and had a fever for several days. I was going to start antibiotics, but the fever broke before I got them filled. They assumed it was a site infection, but never really know for sure, so I never got one last year since employee health has me listed as "bad reaction". So they refuse to give me a vaccine and are requiring me to wear a mask for the next several months. This seems rather unfair.
What do you think about being forced to get vaccines?
With previous bad reactions, should you be excused form the mask wearing?
I already struggle with getting the hard of hearing to hear me speak, since I have an accent, and Im a sweater.
Boohoo. Was thinking of getting the one they shoot up your nose, but my pcp thinks I shouldnt since we never knew what caused my reaction.
Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.
Just got my flu shot today at Employee Health. Took less than a minute, and got to chat with one of the cool nurses I graduated with. Eazy peazy, no panties got into a wad, done.
I'm confused. If you work in surgery where a mask is a normal piece of equipment and uniform; then why does it matter that you'll be required to wear a mask if you aren't vaccinated?
Employers in Illinois have all gone to mandatory vaccine or masking. Additionally, hospitals are posting signs asking visitors to stay away during flu season and wear a mask if they have a cough.
There are several reasons for the requirements:
1) herd immunity
2) productivity
3) cost assoc. with paying overtime to cover employee absenteeism
4) minimization of risk to patients
5) length of stay (not reimbursable ) if an illness not assoc. with initial hospitalization extends pt. stay
Employers in Illinois have all gone to mandatory vaccine or masking. Additionally, hospitals are posting signs asking visitors to stay away during flu season and wear a mask if they have a cough.
There are several reasons for the requirements:
1) herd immunity
2) productivity
3) cost assoc. with paying overtime to cover employee absenteeism
4) minimization of risk to patients
5) length of stay (not reimbursable ) if an illness not assoc. with initial hospitalization extends pt. stay
Our hospital does the same thing as do other hospitals in CA.
At the entrance for visitors, there is a stand with masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, and a sign describing signs and symptoms of influenza and if they aren't there for healthcare reasons, they need to stay home. Otherwise, mask up and clean your hands.
In meetings I've attended, the masks are soon going to go away and the firm rule about mandated flu shots for employees will be the standard. The masks were a way to get people ready for the change.
I had the same exact symptoms happen to me last year when I had mine done at Walgreens. I even had to fill out a report about it.
This year, I told them about the reaction last year and the pharmacist said she could give it to me in a non preservative gage, and guess what? No reaction other than just soar arm, but no red bump, no fever!
I wouldn't suggest the one the nasal spray as that is a live flu vaccine and can cause more of a reaction such as fly symptoms. Just go to Walgreens and ask for the non preservative.
Wrench Party
823 Posts
Just got my flu shot today at Employee Health. Took less than a minute, and got to chat with one of the cool nurses I graduated with. Eazy peazy, no panties got into a wad, done.