Mandatory Vaccination

Nurses General Nursing

Published

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?

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.

at least you responded, you will notice that none of the bit guns here did. give me a reason to get the shot, prove it works, ie you can not

Specializes in Critical Care.
would someone please provide the stats that back up getting the flu shot, TIA.

Are there any specific stats you're looking for? Influenza vaccinations reduce hospitalizations and deaths due to the flu, the rates vary by year, but typically for every 4,000 people vaccinated, one death is prevented, and flu-related hospitalizations are decreased by about 85,000 per year thanks to influenza vaccinations.

Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Vaccine Effectiveness - How Well Does the Flu Vaccine Work? | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC

Hppy

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.

And my employer requires you to have counselling when you are off for more than 12 days in total. Yet there are signs in every entrance telling you if you have a fever, cough, active cold to stay home and keep your germs to yourself.

So flu shot, came down with it 12 days post vaccine (sheer bad luck) off for three weeks and a lecture from management.

Specializes in Oncology.
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.

That's punishment. A mask isn't. A mask is PPE.

Specializes in Public Health, TB.

172 children died form the flu last year. An unvaccinated child has already died this year from the flu. That's all the data I need.

For what its worth, pregnancy is not a reason to not get a flu shot, in fact its recommended. Expectant women have an increased risk of hospitalization and death if they contract flu.

Agree with previous poster in that most people who have allergic reaction to a flu vaccine in the past, can safely take one in a medical setting. Also, there are also vaccines made without eggs for those allergic to chicken or egg.

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

Yeah! While you're at it, how about data on those stupid seatbelt things-my second cousin's Aunt used one and DIED when she ran her car off a 1000ft cliff! Oh, and how about that stupid rule about not eating before a surgical procedure? I think aspiration is a fallacy. Oh- those pesky 5 or is it 7 patient rights? Pfft. Who the heck thought up evidence based practices anyway? And what's wrong with running with scissors? It's all a nefarious plot by Beeeeg Farma I tells ya.

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.

Okay, I have to tell you I read this as "placed on unpaid leave until they GOT shot" and I was thinking dayum they're really serious about this.:roflmao:

Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

I work with a lot of anti-vaxxers who think that the flu shot is a big

government scam, and that God will keep them from getting the flu.

God... I like him very much. But he no help prevent flu.

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

In most studies, vaccine efficacy ranges from 30-60%, which is better than nothing, but not great. Considering the fact that there are very few adverse side effects from the vaccine, and I have RAD, 30% protection is hella better that 0%.

The Efficacy of Influenza Vaccine in Elderly PersonsA Meta-Analysis and Review of the Literature | Annals of Internal Medicine | American College of Physicians

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Egg allergy is no longer considered a contraindication for the flu vaccine.

Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

I wish there was a vaccine for trolls and bots. Or even a mask for that matter.

See Davey's post.

+ Add a Comment