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.

Last year the pediatricians and other medical practices in my area didn't even HAVE the vaccinations in stock until late, mid- October or so, and had appointments stretching into November. My kids got vaccinated in mid-November simply because that's when they could get in the door.

I'll get mine early October, whenever it's convenient for me in between vaccinating everyone else!

As a School Nurse, I meet monthly with the Public Health nurses here in our county so when I take my son into the little local office up here in the mountains, we get right in for vaccinations. Small towns are great for that - our local DMV is amazingly quick as well.

My son got the nasal Flu Mist two years ago because he had some terrible memories about getting a large painful boil lanced without being medicated (his choice at the time). But he also had his appendix out last summer and so he's pretty much fine now about needles as he had an IV and surgery and he did fine.

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

I'd like to know how many are hospitalized who were vaccinated, and got the flu anyway, is that asked...here:

Infectious diseases expert Professor Peter Collignon has called for a review of Australia's flu vaccine policy in light of the new research, but the Federal Government has defended its vaccination program.

Immunisation can be a sensitive issue, particularly when it comes to adverse effects in children.

Professor Collignon from the Australian National University (ANU) says the new research will only heighten sensitivities.

"What was a bit surprising when we looked at some of the data from Canada and Hong Kong in the last year is that people who have been vaccinated in 2008 with the seasonal or ordinary vaccine seemed to have twice the risk of getting swine flu compared to the people who hadn't received that vaccine," he said.

Vaccines may have increased swine flu risk - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Both places where I work are doing free flu shots at the beginning of October.

I'll probably get Spidey his around the same time.

What's the rationale behind waiting for your kids? Just curious. They are little germ factories . . .

I have more time to take them over winter break and they play sports until mid November.

Re: I want to be a healer, and love all things that grow and are not barren.”

- Eowyn

- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

Nice quote. One of my favorite books. :)

Specializes in Registered Nurse.
Yep, now I just have to wait for the slow wheels to turn until they actually purchase it lol.

Lucky me (not), they have mine all FREE and waiting. :/ haha

Re: I want to be a healer, and love all things that grow and are not barren.”

- Eowyn

- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

Nice quote. One of my favorite books. :)

Mine too.

We will probably get along better if we stick to Tolkien and not the flu shot!

Specializes in Registered Nurse.
lol. they let every tom dick and harry off the street w/o verifying that they have a flu shot or tell them they have to wear a mask its "suggested".. therefore if u dont want the shot, dont get it. and dont wear a mask if u dont want to.

besides the flu mutates so rapidly its hard to keep up with it.

I think my place of employment is serious about the mask. :zombie:

Specializes in Registered Nurse.
We have similar requirements at where I work. Way I see it, you have really 3 choices:

Take the dang vaccine

Wear a mask every day, all through your shift, til "flu season" is over (when is that?)

Find a new place of employment.

It's all really that simple.

It probably varies a bit, but generally March 1 is the date I heard we become un-maskable. lol

Personally, I CAN NOT ******* WAIT to wear a mask at work! not even being sarcastic. I wish I could wear one every shift year-round! Patients coughing and hacking and spraying God-only-knows-what in my face is DISGUSTING. You want me to have a physical barrier between me and that? YES PLEASE!!!! you don't have to ask me twice!

What about the substantiated policies like getting the influenza vaccine?

what about substantiated long-term research disproving the possible link between 5+ years of consecutive flu shots and increased risk of Alzheimer's later in life? (hint: such research doesn't exist yet.)

what about substantiated long-term research disproving the possible link between 5+ years of consecutive flu shots and increased risk of Alzheimer's later in life? (hint: such research doesn't exist yet.)

What would be the basis for this? Do you have any thoughts on why this should be conducted?

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