Much ado about the flu vaccine
You probably know all the pros and cons of getting the yearly flu vaccination far better than me. I’ve been inundated with propaganda from both sides of the argument—to get the flu shot or not (yes, I’m struggling to avoid another Shakespeare reference). In fact, just this morning someone sent me a clip from a Fox News video of a physician stating the vaccine for H1N1 is deadlier than the disease. It listed nine reasons not to get vaccinated.
In the interest of self-disclosure I have not (to my knowledge) ever received the flu shot. It is offered here as a benefit of my employment. They even offer them on-site. But I never get one. I’m not
Alien tripod illustration by Alvim Corréa, from the 1906 French edition of H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds".
sure why. I guess I believe in the wives tales—that the shot makes some people sick. And, besides if H.G. Well’s virus helped humans defeat an alien race, I could withstand a little sniffle in favor of the greater good of planet Earth. (Yes, I am that strong.)
In the fall of 2009, however, we’re not just talking about the annual incarnation of the seasonal flu that receives its share of the—vaccinate, don’t vaccinate—hype. This year receiving an inoculation for the seasonal flu and the potential pandemic of H1N1 “swine flu” seems more important than ever.
Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC) urges healthcare facilities to require staff vaccinations for flu. The group made its recommendation August 31 as predictions from a presidential panel suggested that half of all Americans may be infected with the H1N1 virus during the upcoming flu season.
Just this week Indiana and Tennessee became the first to offer the H1N1 shots. At the end of September the swine flu swept through Austin, TX.
Rates of healthcare provider vaccinations for the simple seasonal shot, however, hover at the 42% mark, a rate that has not budged much in the last decade, according to the APIC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as APIC, recommend that all healthcare workers in direct contact with patients get a flu vaccination to keep patients safe.
My husband, a special education teacher here in Massachusetts, gets his vaccinations every year religiously. My elderly relatives to do too. For some reason I’m still not sold.
Let me know you feel about this season’s various flu threats. Tell me about any flu-type challenges you see specific to CDI specialists regarding complications, documentation, and/or simple staffing considerations. If you have already had to deal with an H1N1 case, I’d love to hear from you.
Most of all, stay healthy.
To read more about required flu vaccination for healthcare workers, go to HealthLeadersMedia.com. (There’s an interesting Blog post from my friend and co-worker Gienna Shaw that shows how one hospital engaged its staff in a video about the importance of the H1N1 flu shot. It’s really cute. Definitely worth a watch.)
Don’t forget to read the CDC’s “flu facts,” too. They may seem like simple common knowledge but they’re always worth a quick review.
Oh, and I just got this in my e-mail inbox from CMS!
Flu Season is upon us! CMS encourages providers to begin taking advantage of each office visit to encourage your patients with Medicare to get seasonal flu shots. Flu shots are their best defense against combating flu this season. And don’t forget—health care workers also need to protect themselves.
Medicare provides coverage of the flu vaccine without any out-of-pocket costs to the Medicare patient as a part B benefit. No deductible or copayment/coinsurance applies. Note that influenza vaccine is NOT a Part D covered Drug.
For more information about Medicare’s coverage of the seasonal influenza vaccine and its administration, as well as related educational resources for health care professionals, please go to the CMS Web site. For information on Medicare policies related to H1N1 influenza, please go to www.cms.hhs.gov/H1N1 on the CMS Web site.
About the Author: Melissa Varnavas, CPC, ACDIS associate director, editor for CDI Strategies, CDI Journal. She has several writing awards from various newsletter and newspaper organizations.
Daniel | Oct 12, 2009 | Reply
Hi Melissa,
It’s a open debate for sure. Here’s 16,000 RN’s who think so as well.
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/63144732.html
Laurie Prescott, RN, MSN | Oct 14, 2009 | Reply
Myself, I never received the annual flu vaccine until about five years ago- maybe I am getting old. I do agree with above it is an individual’s choice- no one should be forced.
But as a former Nursing Director, there is nothing worse then trying to assure proper care of your patient population when 1/2 staff is home with the flu. This can provide for tense and dangerous situations.
My first year as a CDS was terrible. I was sick all winter. Upper respiratory infections, viruses etc. I concluded at the end of the winter the reason I seemed to catch EVERYTHING was the fact the charts were covered with infectious diseases. I was a good handwasher to begin with but I stepped it up a notch and probably also developed some immunities.The second winter was a healthier one.
I have already recieved the annual flu vaccine and will be in line for the H1N1 next week. My request for those who don’t get the vaccine- if you develop symptoms- STAY HOME!
Melissa Varnavas | Oct 14, 2009 | Reply
Why Nurses Are Rising Up Against a Shot in the Arm. An article by Rebecca Hendren
Laurie Prescott, RN, MSN | Oct 15, 2009 | Reply
The article above is interesting. Nurses definately do not like to be told what to do. I viewed an interviewon CNN this mronignof the nurse who is bringing a suit against the NY state as she was told no vaccine- no job. I agree with her that this should not be required for employment as this could lead to many other requirements.
What distresses me is the number of myths, false concerns being passed amongst health professionals that just are not factually based. I have no problem receiving this vaccine- again I would have a problem with being forced to receive it. T
Daniel | Oct 16, 2009 | Reply
Laurie, I saw that CNN interview.
Are these hospitals that are mandating mandatory inoculations for nurses making the inoculations mandatory for the doctors as well?
Laurie Prescott, RN, MSN | Oct 21, 2009 | Reply
You know that is a great question- I would assume yes for physicians employed by the hospital as for private practice physicians I am unsure. Personally I would question why a physician would not get the vaccine- they spend their days with people coughing and spewing in their faces…
I do understand the desire to have all health care practitioners vaccinated. I have in the past tried to staff a unit when a large percentage of staff were out ill with a GI illness. I experienced a very tough 1-2 weeks. Now if you add to the problem by having increased numbers of patients and no one to care for them the requirement for a vaccine does have validity.
I am sure as the world gets smaller and the organisms become smarter…this issue will revist us again and again.
D.Warren | Oct 30, 2009 | Reply
I have not received the annual flu vaccine for several years. The last time I had it, I was sick from October to March. I know they say that the vaccine does not make you sick, but after fighting with feeling badly for the entire winter, it is an experience I am not interested in repeating. As far as the H1N1 is concerned, I find it of more concern. It is not that tried and tested, we do not have information about any potential long term effects or side effects, and I do not want to be forced to take into my body any substance. I don’t believe that by not taking the vaccine that we are not interested in protecting our patients. Does good hand hygiene, common sense practices, and standard precautions not offer our patients protection, as well as ourselves?
D.Warren | Oct 30, 2009 | Reply
As an update… I was told that, even though I am not a front line care provider that I could either receive the vaccine or be required to wear a mask while at work for every minute of every day until April. This is a stipulation for anyone receiving a paycheck, so physicians are offered the vaccine but not required to take it.
Melissa Varnavas | Nov 3, 2009 | Reply
I suspect the manufacturers of nursing scrubs will soon discover the market for flu masks as accessories. Have Christmas tree patterned scrubs for the holidays, they’ll make a mask with a star or an angel printed on it.