Mandatory flu vaccines

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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 Med-Surg, OB, ICU, Public Health Nursing.

Union says Ontario nurses can't be forced to wear masks in flu season | CTV News

Donning and doffing paper masks does not protect patients from getting the flu. Industrial hygenients have studied this. Paper masks are compromised within a short time. Hospitals are not doing this to protect patients. In my view it is punitive. (I am not a "anti-vaccine" person and have taken most vaccines). I support a strong voluntary immunization program with the vaccine accessible at work and paid for by the employer.

Do most of you agree to get the flu shot or take the other options if you choose not to. For example I'll have to sign a waiver during my internship that if I get the flu I could lose my spot. I'm not sure if it's worth signing or just suck it up and get the shot. I've never had it before, Just concerned about side effects of it. Opinions?

Do most of you agree to get the flu shot or take the other options if you choose not to. For example I'll have to sign a waiver during my internship that if I get the flu I could lose my spot. I'm not sure if it's worth signing or just suck it up and get the shot. I've never had it before, Just concerned about side effects of it. Opinions?

Get the shot!

What side effects are you concerned about?

Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

Agree, nurseactivist. I support compuslory vaccination for HCWs but i do roll my eyes at the mask. Its a scarlet letter.

Actually getting the flu, I'm working and going to school Right Now. I can't afford anything like that, or anything. I'm not sure, I see things online... Plus I worry about everything. It's how I am.

Get the shot!

What side effects are you concerned about?

I agree - get the shot! No big deal.

Agree, nurseactivist. I support compuslory vaccination for HCWs but i do roll my eyes at the mask. Its a scarlet letter.

That's the point. :yes:

Actually getting the flu, I'm working and going to school Right Now. I can't afford anything like that, or anything. I'm not sure, I see things online... Plus I worry about everything. It's how I am.

Most of the stuff you see "online" (like the antivaxx nonsense being spouted on this site) is crap. Whether you choose to get the shot or not, you don't need to be afraid of it.

Agree, nurseactivist. I support compuslory vaccination for HCWs but i do roll my eyes at the mask. Its a scarlet letter.

I have no problem with publicly shaming healthcare workers who refuse to do something as simple and safe as getting a flu shot to protect their clients. Again, people have a choice about where they work. No one is forcing anyone to do anything. If it bothers people that much, they can find an employer with more flexible views on the matter.

Most of the stuff you see "online" (like the antivaxx nonsense being spouted on this site) is crap. Whether you choose to get the shot or not, you don't need to be afraid of it.

Thank you! I'm One of those people that if I get a prescription I can't read side effects. I'll feel like I have them all otherwise, so it just freaks me out.

Specializes in Hospice.
I agree - get the shot! No big deal.

I tried to get it (my very first-I now work for a mandatory shot or wear a mask for the season employer) but when I told the nurse that I do have a mild egg allergy, and then mentioned my anaphylactic reaction from simply inhaling Ceclor powder once too often, he pretty much made the sign of the cross and shooed me away.

Actually, he's going to order a vial of the preservative free vaccine, since that's what people react to.

Get the shot!

What side effects are you concerned about?

Actually getting the flu, I'm working and going to school Right Now. I can't afford anything like that, or anything. I'm not sure, I see things online... Plus I worry about everything. It's how I am.

Okay, but actually getting the flu would not be a side effect of the shot, because the shot absolutely cannot cause you to be infected with influenza. The shot uses a "killed" virus, so it cannot cause infection.

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