Employer's Mandatory H1N1 Vaccine Rules

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Permalink Reply by Kristen L. Peeples on October 20, 2009 at 5:48pm

When working as a case manager, the organization I worked for did require it for certain individuals who were exposed to the most at risk populations; however, they still had the right to refuse with the knowledge of not being able to act legally if they indeed became ill. I do think it is also important to look at which illnesses are being vaccinated for, and which ones are mandatory, and with what stipulations. The two vaccinations I received while at the organization I am referring to included the Hep B and Flu vaccines. Also one is always encouraged to weigh the costs and benefits of anything they decide to do.

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Permalink Reply by Denise C. Webb on October 20, 2009 at 7:35pm

I agree Kristen. People need to educate themselves and understand the risks/benefits involved before making any decision. Hep B can be a very debilitating illness as can the flu.

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Permalink Reply by Michael R. on October 28, 2009 at 10:15pm

That is nuts. I was recently hired by ISDH to do some field work specifically for H1N1 and I am not even required to get the H1N1 vaccine; or any other vaccine for that matter. My guess is, employers are misinformed and are making rash decisions.

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Permalink Reply by Denise C. Webb on October 29, 2009 at 1:49pm

That is probably true Michael. One of my son-in-laws was required to get the H1N1 vaccine (volunteer police) and between the fever and muscle aches he missed a days work (government employee), which will also require vaccination as soon as it is available. Of course, he could have chosen not to get it and lose his volunteer position and eventually his regular job. Doesn't seem like much of a choice.

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Permalink Reply by Michael R. on October 30, 2009 at 8:50am

Totally unethical IMHO, Denise. Here he is, VOLUNTEERING to do one of the most dangerous jobs in the world yet is told he could lose his job if he doesn't get a shot? Something really wrong with that situation.

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Permalink Reply by Greta Wilkerson on October 29, 2009 at 2:53pm

I hear ya, Michael! My husband stayed home with our 2 year old for 4 days because he had H1N1. When he returned to work (6 days later) his employer sent him home and told him not to return until he received a return to work release form from the Doctor for himself. He ended up using yet another PTO day because the Dr couldn't fit him in until 4pm that day. As it turned out, he too had H1N1 even though the symptoms had not yet presented themselves. In his case, he had a very mild and short lived run of the Flu, but burned up all of his PTO until July 2010. No more vacations for us!

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Permalink Reply by Michael R. on October 30, 2009 at 8:56am

The inflexibility of your husband's employer is infuriating to me. They want him to stay home, get a note from the doctor, etc., yet, even when he does all that he still comes out on the losing end? If I were your husband I would talk to higher-ups in the company to see if something couldn't be worked out in regard to his PTO days. It simply isn't fair.

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Permalink Reply by Kristen L. Peeples on October 30, 2009 at 11:37am

These stories are disturbing. The employer I had seemed much more understanding of illnesses. One of the families I saw had a MRSA outbreak, and just as a precaution they had me tested and sent home until the results came in; at first my supervisor at the time commented on using my personal sick and vacation time, however, I spoke up and stated it shouldn't be a 'punishment' to me. With this she phoned HR where they had commented on how it would qualify as a Workers Comp Case, thus not affecting my personal sick and vacation hours. I think at times some individuals may not see the reasoning behind other's ideas until it is passed through the proper channels. I think it is important to remember to use your voice to express you're concern. It is sad that a volunteer had in essence no choice, no freedom in making this decision on his own as well as a husband losing precious moments with his family for vacation time due to their places of work requesting these things from them in a way that was more of a demand.

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