Forced Flu Shots

Nurses Activism

Published

Georgetown Hospital in DC has forced flu shots. I am a travel nurse and have went through signing my contract and submitting my paperwork just to find out that if I don't have a flu shot I can't go to the facility. Normally I would say- ok, no big deal I'll get the shot but, I am allergic to the shot and eggs. Despite that info and the offer to provide the facility a note from my doctor they continue to refuse to allow me to come to the facility. Is this not discrimination? How can they do this and get away with it? Please help!

Lizzie21

204 Posts

Specializes in Med/Surg and ANCC RN-BC.

If you are allergic to the flu shot and it's components then they shouldn't force you to get it. I know at my hospital that if you don't get the flu shot you have to wear a mask during your shift (which sucks). They definitely can't force you, especially if you have a doctors note.

DuluthMike

164 Posts

Specializes in ICU, ED, PACU.

Look this is a huge bummer but be very careful with words like discriminatory. 36,000 die from influenza each year. No one is saying you can't work because of your race, religion, or creed. They are saying you could be potentially dangerous. Try to look at it though that lense for a bit to find understanding from their position and then perhaps try to meet in the middle. I know some hospitals allow nurses to opt out if they use N95 respirators.

Best of luck.

happy2learn

1,118 Posts

That doesn't make sense. My hospital requires flu shots, but I know people who are allergic to the things that you are who were exempted from the requirement.

MassED, BSN, RN

2,636 Posts

Specializes in ER.
Look this is a huge bummer but be very careful with words like discriminatory. 36,000 die from influenza each year. No one is saying you can't work because of your race, religion, or creed. They are saying you could be potentially dangerous. Try to look at it though that lense for a bit to find understanding from their position and then perhaps try to meet in the middle. I know some hospitals allow nurses to opt out if they use N95 respirators.

Best of luck.

I use N95 even with having the flu shot....

UserG

57 Posts

Specializes in Emergency Department.

If it is a medical concern, I think you are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you put it to them that way, they may feel compelled to make a reasonable accommodation (mask).

badphish

176 Posts

Specializes in ED.

may i suggest the blue smurf suit as used in our biowarfare research facilities.

is there a super flu i dont know about

roser13, ASN, RN

6,504 Posts

Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
If it is a medical concern, I think you are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you put it to them that way, they may feel compelled to make a reasonable accommodation (mask).

I doubt that the ADA would consider an egg allergy to be a disability.

CrunchRN, ADN, RN

4,530 Posts

Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

I think because you are a travel nurse you will not have the usual protections if they have decided to have a zero tolerance stance.

It would be interesting what theiy would do in the case of a regular staff nurse and if they would be protected from this under any of the labor laws that exist.

roser13, ASN, RN

6,504 Posts

Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I think because you are a travel nurse you will not have the usual protections if they have decided to have a zero tolerance stance.

It would be interesting what theiy would do in the case of a regular staff nurse and if they would be protected from this under any of the labor laws that exist.

I doubt it. Employers are allowed to have conditions of employment.

BabyLady, BSN, RN

2,300 Posts

Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

FYI, The flu shot this year has the H1N1 already in it.

I didn't take it last year and won't take it this year...this is my facility policy:

1. If you don't take the flu shot, you sign a waiver.

2. If you don't take the shot and get sick, you are forced to take 7 days off...calender days and use PTO time.

3. If you take the shot, and get sick, you still stay home for 7 days and they don't pay for it...you use PTO time.

That is why I am not taking the shot.

CrunchRN, ADN, RN

4,530 Posts

Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
FYI, The flu shot this year has the H1N1 already in it.

I didn't take it last year and won't take it this year...this is my facility policy:

1. If you don't take the flu shot, you sign a waiver.

2. If you don't take the shot and get sick, you are forced to take 7 days off...calender days and use PTO time.

3. If you take the shot, and get sick, you still stay home for 7 days and they don't pay for it...you use PTO time.

That is why I am not taking the shot.

So you get rewarded by actually getting to stay home if you get sick? :smokin::smokin::smokin::smokin:

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