Mandatory Vaccination

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2018

Where are they going to go when everyone has this policy? It is everywhere, I do not object to vaccine nor am I allergic to any ingredients however I would prefer the choice were mine. I no longer work @ hospitals, last time I did and went on down to occupational health the nurse wanted to ascertain I knew all potential side effects then she freaked out when I said I had no choice so why go over that information. She said "NO, it is voluntary!" I told her it really wasn't voluntary...she was thinking along lines of litigation should anyone have a terrible side effect and she should. If anyone popped up with a severe side effects they would have a boatload of evidence up to and including nurses being fired for refusal. Given I want to keep my job and hospitals etc...have a 5000 page policy book making it likely a large percentage of us have violated a policy we did not know of anyone is disposable. That being said any nurse who developed a severe side effect could most likely win a lawsuit based upon that 'not a choice' vaccine.

I've never been required to get a flu shot at any place I've worked.

Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2018

Where are they going to go when everyone has this policy? It is everywhere, I do not object to vaccine nor am I allergic to any ingredients however I would prefer the choice were mine. I no longer work @ hospitals, last time I did and went on down to occupational health the nurse wanted to ascertain I knew all potential side effects then she freaked out when I said I had no choice so why go over that information. She said "NO, it is voluntary!" I told her it really wasn't voluntary...she was thinking along lines of litigation should anyone have a terrible side effect and she should. If anyone popped up with a severe side effects they would have a boatload of evidence up to and including nurses being fired for refusal. Given I want to keep my job and hospitals etc...have a 5000 page policy book making it likely a large percentage of us have violated a policy we did not know of anyone is disposable. That being said any nurse who developed a severe side effect could most likely win a lawsuit based upon that 'not a choice' vaccine.

Either it was VOLUNTARY to be VACCINATED for the FLU and you could OPT OUT and would REMAIN EMPLOYED; or

It's a situation where you would no longer be EMPLOYED if you DID NOT AGREE to RECEIVE the FLU VACCINE.

One or the other. Gotta pick which hill to battle on.

I think it's way too meta for a hospital to go fully gonzo of policy with analysis, and every side effect/consequence/benefit of a flu vaccine program, resulting liabilities and risk mitigation strategies and then try to sell it as OPTIONAL through the occ health nurse.

Funny stuff, I say.

These are likely the same lawyer folks that have staff put FLU tags on their name badges. As if "RN" isn't enough! Plus whatever other in vogue thing they are promoting this week hasn't been added.

These strange little "FLU" add-on to the name tags create unwelcome, unwarranted and unnecessary conversations everyone has plently of extra time to participate in!

Geez.

:angel:

ComeTogether, LPN · Nov 23, 2018

I find it comical that those who aren't able to be immunized due to allergies, etc. still have to wear a mask even after coming down with the flu.

Guests · Nov 23, 2018

I find it comical that those who aren't able to be immunized due to allergies, etc. still have to wear a mask even after coming down with the flu.

Why is that comical?

klone, MSN, RN · Nov 23, 2018

I find it comical that those who aren't able to be immunized due to allergies, etc. still have to wear a mask even after coming down with the flu.

You understand that there are innumerable strains, which is why they have an updated vaccine every year? Just because you got the flu does not mean you can't get the flu again.

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Nov 24, 2018

Probably got it from the shot.

I thought that was not a possibility.

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 24, 2018

I thought that was not a possibility.

Looks like your sarcasm font detector is faulty.

Alex_RN, BSN · Nov 24, 2018

There should be a sub-board or whatever just for flu shot rhetoric.

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 24, 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?

Just WHOM is being "punished"? The staff member being actually being reasonably asked to look after the wellbeing of their patient by getting vaccinated and/or the nurse having to wear a mask because he/she refused or somehow could not take that step?

Or is it REALLY the patients and coworkers who would prefer not to contract influenza on top of everything else going from those refusing to care enough to protect them?

Why is it always "about me" when it comes to this? Why did these folks even enter nursing, if not to care for the health and wellbeing of their patient and coworker? You're a nurse. You know how devastating influenza is, particularly on vulnerable populations like hospitalized or somehow immune-compromised people, correct? Wear the mask.

Or choose other employment. You still have a choice and it's not "punishment".

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2018

I wear a mask all day every day while working. You get used to it.

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2018

Where are they going to go when everyone has this policy? It is everywhere, I do not object to vaccine nor am I allergic to any ingredients however I would prefer the choice were mine. I no longer work @ hospitals, last time I did and went on down to occupational health the nurse wanted to ascertain I knew all potential side effects then she freaked out when I said I had no choice so why go over that information. She said "NO, it is voluntary!" I told her it really wasn't voluntary...she was thinking along lines of litigation should anyone have a terrible side effect and she should. If anyone popped up with a severe side effects they would have a boatload of evidence up to and including nurses being fired for refusal. Given I want to keep my job and hospitals etc...have a 5000 page policy book making it likely a large percentage of us have violated a policy we did not know of anyone is disposable. That being said any nurse who developed a severe side effect could most likely win a lawsuit based upon that 'not a choice' vaccine.

Or is the flu vax like the vaxes kids get, in that the pharmaceutical houses that make them can't be held liable?

Also, who wants to win a lawsuit? Wouldn't we prefer not to be harmed in the first place?

Guests · Nov 25, 2018

Or is the flu vax like the vaxes kids get, in that the pharmaceutical houses that make them can't be held liable?
Also, who wants to win a lawsuit? Wouldn't we prefer not to be harmed in the first place?

To clear something up. The manufacturer of compulsory childhood vaccines can't be held liable (and for good reason), however, there is a process for both reporting and being compensated for vaccine-related injuries. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program as a no-fault compensation program whereby petitions for monetary compensation may be brought by or on behalf of persons allegedly suffering injury or death as a result of the administration of certain compulsory childhood vaccines.