Dorit Reiss just graciously published a couple of articles for the Skeptical Raptor discussing some of the legal issues surrounding whether hospitals can make vaccinations mandatory for healthcare workers. I’d like to know what you think.
Lifetime lover of science, especially biomedical research. Spent years in academics, business development, research, and traveling the world shilling for Big Pharma. I love sports, mostly college basketball and football, hockey, and baseball. I enjoy great food and intelligent conversation. And a delicious morning coffee!
I voted yes but with proven medical exemptions. Our hospital system, Peacehealth, has this policy. My neighbor has had reactions to the flu vax so they let her wear a mask all fly season instead. She is in patient intake but rule applies to everyone who works there.
Unfortunately, I know a couple of healthcare workers who’ve fought valiantly for their right to not be vaccinated. It’s pretty disturbing.
Incredibly.
How the hell could anyone be in the healthcare field NOT want to get vaccinated?! They should know better than anyone the safety of vaccines, and the dangers of not getting them!
Wasn’t it here that the video of the anti-vax nurse was shared? Having a medical education does not inure you from creeping stupidity – look at Dr. Oz!
I don’t get why the hell so many were listening to him in the first place. He’s a damned plastic surgeon talking about weight loss that didn’t require surgery for sobbing out loud.
Actually, Dr. Oz is a cardiac surgeon, who, IIRC, first appeared on the Oprah Show. He, along with Dr. Phil, have been the beneficiaries of the *Oprah Effect.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/the-oprah-phenomenon-by-the-numbers/
I almost said yes if they had proven medical reasons for exemption, but wouldn’t that put them and their patients at risk? (It may be a stupid question, but I am asking sincerely.)
If they have a proven medical exemption, then they should be required to wear a mask & gloves at all times.
I checked off exemption for proven medical reasons. Those absolute bars to vaccinations are extremely rare. More commonly are the “vaccinate with precautions” such as severe egg allergies (anaphylaxis) with epinephrine syringe on hand (which is always nearby for any immunization for any individual).
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/hcw.html
A HCW could have a treatment-related medical contraindication. I recall a nurse who was post HSCT and who needed revaccination. She returned to work in the hospital and provided with a job which did not require patient contact, until revaccination was completed:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/hemato-cell-transplts.htm