Mandatory Vaccination

Sour Lemon · Nov 20, 2018

Many hospitals mandate their nurses to receive influenza vaccinations each year during flu season. Those who decline are forced to wear a mask while at work during the season. For those who cannot get the vaccine (for example, those who are allergic to ingredients), this seems like unfair punishment for something that they did not choose!
I can understand mandating nurses who decline, because in my opinion, it is an incentive for the staff to receive the vaccine. However, for those who wish that they are able to be vaccinated, this seems like undue punishment! I know it is for their protection, but in my opinion, they should have the right to make that decision on their own.
What are your thoughts on this?

No one is making them do anything. They can choose to work elsewhere. This topic comes up at least yearly and always goes nowhere fast.

Triddin · Nov 20, 2018

Many hospital policies leave me wondering why; however, the fact is either you accept their terms or not work for them.

However, think of it from the organization's perspective. An employee gets sick with the flu, because they couldn't get the vaccine and refused to wear the mask. They still have to pay for the costs of the employee getting sick.

jennylee321 · Nov 20, 2018

If I couldn't get it then I would accept that I need to where a mask. It's to protect the patients. If I gave a baby influenza they could quickly become critically ill.

Davey Do · Nov 20, 2018

It infuriates me when I hear that people choose not to vaccinate for silly and unfounded reasons.

they should have the right to make that decision on their own.

I'm really sleepy, going to bed soon, and am a little confused.

Two quotes, two different threads. I interpret what you're saying, degfnp, is that people should have the right to refuse to the flu vaccine, but only for reasons that are not silly and unfounded.

Reasons like they're pregnant or allergic? No... because then they're exempt.

All this means is that I shouldn't try to process information in public when I'm sleepy and logically not at my best.

Anyway, welcome to AN.com, degfnp!

Good night.

elkpark · Nov 20, 2018

Welcome to allnurses! :balloons:

The mask isn't for the employee's protection; it's for the protection of the clients with whom the unvaccinated employee comes in contact. I'm sure that it does feel like "punishment" to some extent, but it's just basic infection control practice, same as handwashing or anything else we do all day every for infection control purposes.

morte, LPN, LVN · Nov 20, 2018

would someone please provide the stats that back up getting the flu shot, TIA.

allnurses Guide · Nov 20, 2018

Many hospitals mandate their nurses to receive influenza vaccinations each year during flu season. Those who decline are forced to wear a mask while at work during the season. For those who cannot get the vaccine (for example, those who are allergic to ingredients), this seems like unfair punishment for something that they did not choose!
I can understand mandating nurses who decline, because in my opinion, it is an incentive for the staff to receive the vaccine. However, for those who wish that they are able to be vaccinated, this seems like undue punishment! I know it is for their protection, but in my opinion, they should have the right to make that decision on their own.
What are your thoughts on this?

In the State where I work the position of the state department of health that all healthcare workers including outpatient and unlicensed direct care staff have a flu shot or wear a mask. I'm not sure how well the shot works as I get one every year and always get some flu-like illness. I do however love my job and my patients many of whom have compromised immune system.

Hppy

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2018

Many hospitals mandate their nurses to receive influenza vaccinations each year during flu season. Those who decline are forced to wear a mask while at work during the season.

The last 2 hospitals I've worked at, those who declined were either fired or placed on an unpaid leave until they got the shot.

llg, PhD, RN · Nov 20, 2018

I also work at a hospital where immunization for flu is mandatory. There is no "wear a mask option." If you want to work here, you get immunized. It is for our patients' protection -- not just for the hospital's cost savings. We don't have the right to expose our patients to potentially fatal viruses that we have a reasonably good chance of preventing. We also hold all students to that policy.

Since implementing that policy several years ago, we have had several people claim that they were allergic to the shots. So we said that they could not come here, but recommended they speak with their allergist about getting the shot in the allergist's office. We've had several people choose that option and not one of them has had a significant reaction to the shot.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Nov 20, 2018

would someone please provide the stats that back up getting the flu shot, TIA.

I personally have not had the flu (except one year with a HUGE shift) in 25 years, and I get the vaccine annually, but that's just me. I work woth kids, all day long in a health office.

CelticGoddess, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2018

I got the flu from an RT who had the flu (she didn't know it at the time), who was unable to get the vaccine. She didn't wear a mask. I have asthma, and getting the flu results in my being in the hospital, more than likely with a tube down my throat. So, should I be put at risk because someone doesn't want to wear a mask? I do get the flu shot but my immunity is shot.

This isn't about punishment, it's about keeping patients safe.