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.
I think you may be reaching for causation that isn't really there.
An influenza vaccine should trigger an immune response in order for it to work, aches and fatigue are part of that response. While I get that's it's not fun, it's better than the actual flu which can put you in an ICU on a vent and ECMO and yet end up dying anyway.
Which is why I always tried to schedule my shot before I had 2-3 days off.
Except it doesn't. How many objectors really forego vaccination because of religious beliefs? I don't have data, but nearly all objections I have seen have nothing to do with religion.
We wear a mask when we get the sniffles... does THAT violate our privacy? Of course not.
I personally have some modesty practices that are similar to those of a certain religious group. At least once a week at work, I get asked if I am a member of said group... usually BY members of said group. I'm sure others have their assumptions. Actually one visitor immediately started calling me "sister."
Work goes on. If someone asks, I say "no, I just like to be covered up." or simply "no."
I have NEVER heard of anyone seeing a mask asking, "You wear a mask... do you practice Christian Science?" (ETA: CS doesn't even forbid vaccines! I just looked it up.)
I have MANY times been asked, "Are [the pt] on precautions? Should I wear a mask?" To which I replied, "No, I have a cold I don't want to spread." It never once occurred to me that my privacy rights were being violated... and an URI is actual MEDICAL/HEALTH information.
But if one IS by chance asked about religion, they have the choice to answer yes or no, truthfully or no.
Exactly. I agree that the article makes no sense at all. This friend who shared it is a very strong anti-vaxxer who thinks all healthcare professionals are brainwashed. It's not a HIPAA violation at all, nor is it a punishment.
So every place pays the same? No, it doesn't not sweetie. In my area you can work for the hospital or you can take a $10 to $15 an hour pay cut at a clinic. That's not really a choice.
Your first assertion is correct, this is the nature of disease control. Your second however is totally 100% without a doubt male bovine bowel movements. 46.5 humble years? Perhaps it's time to rest on your laurels.
I just downloaded an interesting podcast -- Going Viral: The Mother of all Pandemics, by Zinc Media. They go deep into the science about viruses.
Also, my daughter was telling me about a concept called the "Illusion of Explanatory Depth". Its when people think they understand complex things stronger than they really do. Even when presented with facts, input from their environment is given more weight. So if I felt ill after an immunization, the thought that I got the flu from the shot seems more real than being told that's not possible because there are no live organisms in the injection.
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The person who reacts to an immunization and develops symptoms knows that his/her body is building up a defense response against illness. I have had zillions of immunizations much more harsh than flu over the years (think Military where truly one had no choice---typhoid, etc.) and am healthy as I can be. I rarely EVER get sick even with a cold. The flu? Not in 25 years. Yet I am surrounded by sick people. I believe acquired immunity through years of vaccination is the reason.
Nunya, BSN
771 Posts
I hope that reply was sarcasm...