http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/08/flu-mask-termination/1817571/
What a controversial issue! First, I thought she was fired for refusing the flu shot. But when I read the article, it said she was fired for non-compliance with her hospital's policy of wearing a mask if you refuse the flu shot. It makes sense if you put it that way. On the other hand, it is very difficult to work with a masks on all the time. My patients can't even hear me with them on, especially if you're soft spoken and your patient is hard of hearing. Do you think requiring the employees to wear a mask is a way to get you to take the flu shot? Let us know what you think?
Thank for sharing the ethical issue about our rights related to our health care. Admittedly, I have had the flu vaccine yearly for many years without side effects. I also have not had significant flu like episodes. I hope the organization's requirement is that all healthcare workers take the vaccine. I also have questions: do we dare try to find out what the outcome would be if administration of the flu vaccine was stopped? Are the hospital systems with the strict standards about the vaccine concerned about the re-hospitalization rates related to patients returning within 30 days? I am not sure about not communicating well while wearing the mask; when patients are on isolation we have to. On another note; maybe more people (potential patients) need to take the flu vaccine. Appreciate the stimulating issue.
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