Thursday, July 30, 2009
Nursing association opposes mandatory flu shot
The New York State Nurses Association this week spoke out against a regulation that would require every health care worker in the state to receive an influenza vaccination.
In spite of the association's objections, the New York State Hospital Planning and Review Council approved the measure, which would require vaccination for all health care personnel – both paid and unpaid – who interact with patients. The rule could go into effect before the winter flu season begins.
Eileen Avery, associate director of the NYSNA Education, Practice and Research Program, testified against the proposed rule, stating that immunization is not 100 percent effective and that excessive focus on vaccination could cause health care workers to ignore proven control measures such as appropriate respirators and isolation rooms. NYSNA also expressed concern that the policy has no exemption for nurses who have religious or cultural objections to immunization.