An-Med Workers Fired Or Resign For Refusing Flu Shots

[The Straight Story]

An-Med Workers Fired Or Resign For Refusing Flu Shots

ANDERSON, S.C. --

Half a dozen An-Med employees may no longer have jobs. It’s because of the hospital's flu shot policy.

According to our coverage partners at the Anderson Independent Mail, Tuesday at 5:30pm was the deadline for the workers to get the mandatory flu shot. If they didn't, they would either be fired, or allowed to resign.

Bertha Hunter went to court last week over the issue. but a judge ruled the hospital can enforce the policy. Her attorney promised to appeal the decision, or take it to court, depending on what Hunter wanted to do.

Opponents say mandatory shots violate their privacy, but the hospital claims it will provide a safer environment for patients.

According to the Anderson Independent Mail, 15 An-Med workers didn't get the flu shot, but will not be fired. That's becasuse they were granted a medical exemption. The CDC cleared them under guidelines for Guillain-Barre syndrom, egg allergies or severe prior reaction to the flu vaccine. Those employees will have to wear surgical masks while dealing directly with patients.



http://www2.wspa.com/news/2010/dec/15/3/-med-workers-fired-or-resign-refusing-flu-shots-ar-1226487/

[RaleighNCDUer]

1. I'm curious about what those employees' jobs are.

It seems almost beyond comprehension that medical personnel would have vaccination paranoia. Records clerks, personnel workers, housekeeping, that I'd understand.

[bemildred]

2. Yet another reason to stay far away from hospitals.

It at all possible.

[SheilaT]

3. I don't get flu shots.

I don't get the flu, either.

I currently work in a hospital, although I don't care for patients.

Last year, when all the idiotic panic was out there about H1N1, and my hospital made everyone either get a flu shot or sign a waiver of some kind, I signed the waiver. I also pointed out to the 22 year old who was sent to get my signature, that I was exactly in the category of people who were supposed to be last to get the shot. I'm over 60. I've lived through two previous type A flu epidemics. I know I didn't get sick in 1968 (the Hong Kong flu), but I may have gotten it in 1957 (Asian flu). I can't recall exactly.

But if I did get it back then, I have a pretty permanent immunity to any type A flu, and yes, I know the virus mutates and that's why each year a new flu shot is needed. I also know that the immunity you get from actually getting the flu is far superior to the temporary immunity from a flu shot. And so while there are people for whom it is a good idea to get the shot, I don't consider myself one of them.

I'm still the healthiest person I know.