Nursing Students and the H1N1 Flu Vaccine

JBGC4 · Aug 6, 2009

I don't have anything concrete, but I would believe we would. I would think it would be just like our hep b's, varicella, and MMR's. In our orientation notes, it was verified that student nurses are required to have the same vac's under health providers. Even tho we are not licensed, we are still healthcare providers. Like I said, no proof of this, but it just makes sense that we too, would be covered.

DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN · Aug 6, 2009

I would have though so as well -- I am not neurotic about the flu season but I did have ARDS several years ago (I might qualify for it anyway I suppose).

futurenurseashley · Aug 7, 2009

I agree with the first poster. We come into contact with patients regularly, so it makes sense to get the vaccine. Also, many nursing students are in the age group recommended for getting it. Not to mention, if we do get the flu, that could be a lot of absences!

kayty2339 · Aug 7, 2009

I would be concerned about getting this vaccine. There was a case of a "major swine flu" epidemic in the 70s and the vaccine that they created for it was actually very dangerous and caused some serious problems in many people that got it. A vaccine that is put out this quick hasn't had enough time to be properly researched for adverse effects. I hope they don't force this vaccine on students.

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 7, 2009

Please remember that there are 2 kinds of flu vaccine:

1. The seasonal flu vaccine for the regular influenza. This is the one that hospitals are talking about making mandatory for its staff. We expect to have an adequate supply of that for everyone who wants it.

2. The SOIV (or H1N1) vaccine for the virus that is behind the pandemic. There will not be enough of that vaccine for eveyone. Certain groups will be given preference in receiving that vaccine. The most vulnerable people in society and those most needed to provide essential community services (e.g. healthcare). Because it will not be as readily available as the seasonable flu vaccine, there is not the same possibility of making it mandatory on a widespread basis.

When you hear talk of required vaccine -- or mass distribution programs, etc. be sure to clarify which type of vaccine is being discussed.

DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN · Aug 7, 2009

I think you will find the vaccine type is clear from the thread title.

rescue911girlfl · Sep 9, 2009

I am currently a LPN->RN student. We were just informed today that there are several facilities that we are contracted with for clinicals are telling the school that they are going to require the students to have a FLU vaccine, and the H1N1 vaccine or they will not allow us to go to the facility. I am 34 and never recieved a FLU shot in the past, I certinaly don't want the swine flu vaccine. There have been some reports of neurologic damage from the vaccine... I don't want it because there are not enough studies proving it safe and effective.

Anyone else run into this issue? Clinical sites requiring the FLU and H1N1 vaccines for students???

~ :nurse: Allison :nurse:

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Sep 9, 2009

We are going to be required to get both. I think most students will end up with it

cursedandblessed · Sep 10, 2009

We're first in line at our college to get it, and we'll be using clinical days to administer it. They've adjusted the clinical absence policy as well

anoon · Sep 12, 2009

I do not know what the priority classifications for the H1N1 vaccine is. I do, however, know that my nursing school is MANDATING that we receive the vaccine or we must wear a mask to provide patient care. Our hospital systems in our metro area are kind enough to provide the vaccine to us on a priority level, but I do not know if all nursing students are considered priority to the government, different local health agencies, etc. I would encourage you to contact your specific board of nursing to determine your priority status.

Hope this helps,

Amber N

RNShenanigator · Sep 12, 2009

Our school has yet to tell us if we will have to get it H1N1 vaccine or not but the DON stated if the clinical sites require them they will be provided for us without cost to us.

As for the neurological problems the CDC website states "In 1976, a type of influenza vaccine was associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Since then, influenza vaccines have not been clearly linked to GBS. However, if there is a risk of GBS from seasonal influenza vaccines, it would be no more than approximately 1 additional case per million persons vaccinated"

It also says only one of the 1973 studies showed an association. That study suggested that one person out of 1 million vaccinated persons may be at risk of GBS associated with the H1N1 vaccine

I know the thought of getting a vaccine that was massed produced so quickly can be scary but what other alternative do you have. Do you risk getting it from a patient and then spreading it to your immediate family and friends. I truly do not know how I feel about it, but if it means I can not participate in clinicals and risk failing I will get the shot.