Forcing flu shots… sort of
Three major hospitals in Okalahoma City have found a way to subtly require healthcare workers to get the seasonal flu shot, while avoiding the noise and outrage seen in New York.
The policy is simple: If you decide not to get the flu shot by October 1 you’re required to wear a surgical mask for your entire shift.
The policy was created by the Hospital Corporation of America and it will apply to the OU Medical Center, Edmond Medical Center, and Oklahoma Surgicare, according to KFOR.com.
These facilities aren’t the first to institute such a policy. Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC) in Seattle was the first to find the loophole after they were rebuffed by the 9th United States District Court for requiring flu shots as a condition of employment. Soon after the decision the facility changed their policy so healthcare workers that didn’t get a flu shot and then subsequently refused to wear a facemask could be terminated for disobeying the facilities flu policy.
This particular mandate holds water because in does not implicate any union agreements. Employees are not reprimanded based on their refusal of the shot, rather their decision to disobey recommended precautions during flu season. The approach may be taking hold as two hospitals in Des Moines have also adopted a similar policy.
Other facilities in Marshfield, WI, and Charlestown, WV have stuck with the “get the shot or lose your job” policy, which runs the risk of a battle similar to the VMMC case. For example, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City recently implemented a policy requiring flu shots and Service Employees International Union Local 199 has already filed an injunction with the Johnson County District Court.
That said, its easy to see why a roundabout requirement that forces full time surgical masks on those who choose not to get the flu shot could become more prevalent as facilities look for ways to increase vaccination rates.
What do you think? Do you, like fellow blogger David LaHoda, believe these policies help to better serve the patient population? Would you refuse the vaccine in favor an “around the clock” surgical mask? What is your facilities policy? Let us know below.
UPDATE: It was just released today that Univeristy of Iowa Hospital and Clinics has reached an agreement with the SEIU. Under the new agreement the union has dropped its request for an injunction, and the health system has amended their policy so that union members can decline the vaccine for “personal reasons.”
The Union represents roughly 2,800 employees at UI Hospital and Clinics. Despite earlier news reports, mandatory flu shots will continue as planned on Friday with this exception for union workers written in.
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Comments
I would and do have the yearly flu shot, not just for my patient’s protection but for my own. I would think it would be uncomfortable to wear a mask for an entire shift, but if it works and people are conscientious then it would be o.k.
Do regular face masks do an adequate job of filtering viruses?
We are discussing this requirement in our health system as well. Concern of keeping track of staff who chose not to get the vaccine and changing the surgical masks at appropriate times. That is an issue as to how effective they are in protecting the patients. Also what will patients say if they see some staff wearing them and others not.
As to how patients will respond to an unmasked provider, I hope they react the same way that APIC says they should on hand hygiene: “Not wearing a mask? Is that because you are vaccinated…if not, put one on before you treat me.”
Kay: It depends on what viruses you are talking about. Currently for H1N1 the recommendation from the CDC is to use N95 respirators, but many other organizations, like AHA, have urged the CDC to adjust their guidelines to include surgical masks. Ultimately it depends on your facility’s policy, but organizations like IOM have said N95s are the best protection.
As you probably know, masks and respirators serve different purposes. Respirators protect the wearer from inhaling the virus.
Masks protect the wearer, whether patient or healthcare provider, from spreading the virus.
Pretty much everyone agrees on the latter. It’s the former that is being debated.
Are there other states besides New York that are mandating the H1N1 vaccine? Which hospitals are mandating that their medical personnel receive the vaccine?
Currently New York is the only state that is mandating seasonal and H1N1 vaccines. As of right now, there is no indication any other states are going to take this same approach.
Aside from the facilities mentioned above, I’ve read about a number of others including Loyola University Health Systems, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, VA, and Genesis Health System and Trinity Regional Health System just to name a few.
If your hospital is requiring flu shots, feel free to leave a comment below.
Also see the update above for news on the battle between SEIU and UI Hospitals and Clinics.
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