Mandatory Flu Shots for employees

lerobb

I have a risk management nurse and CFO who are requiring employees take the flu shot unless they can provide proof that they have already had the shot. I am uncomfortable with this but am having difficulty finding anything to back my position. Any help would be appreciated.

ACU Frank

I'm a big flu shot fan, but unless you are in a health-sensitive position where the flu provides exceptional risks - nursing home, etc. - I think you're playing with fire here.

sonny

I know I would be annoyed. . they do require in military and like Frank said, maybe nursing homes or Fire/rescue. What line of work and have you thought about asking your attorney?

Sharon McKnight SPHR

I'm not a big flu shot fan, I agree with Frank and, as a general rule, I think it's better to leave the decision of whether to get a flu shot to the employee and his/her medical professional.

There are several reasons why it's not a good idea for an employer to require vaccinations, including:
- Some employees have allergic reactions to vaccinations
- For disabled employees there may be concerns with potential ADA violations
- Some employees have religious beliefs that prevent them from being vaccinated

Here's a website that offers guidance regarding flu in the workplace: [URL]http://answers.flu.gov/search/results?q=workplace[/URL]

Here's a link to the CDC's page on the 2011-2012 flu season: [URL="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/"]http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ [/URL]

Hope this helps.

Sharon

Cheryl S SPHR

I agree with the others -- regardless of how you feel about the flu shot personally, requiring them puts you on a slippery slope. I have some employees that do not believe even in childhood vaccinations. Tread carefully and I like the idea of consulting your attorney.

bethk

Just reading the heading made me cringe. I think this could potentialy be a huge liability for employers. If someone got deathly sick from the shot, what then?

Still Need Coffee

Sharon put it very well - there are many reasons someon may not want the flu shot, and you probably don't want to make it mandatory unless required due to the position.

NaeNae55

Our owner hospital makes a flu shot mandatory for employees working with patients. It makes exceptions (religion, allergies, etc), but those employees are required to wear a mask when in patient areas.

gdanner

I do not believe it should be mandatory. I do take it personally, but, mandatory is not appropriate in my eyes. I knew one company that had a policy that if you did not take a flu shot and subsequently came down with the flu, you could not take sick or vacation time for having the flu. I have no clue as to the legality of that move. However, since vacation and sick policies can be tailored and even disciminatory it may well fly.

rweaver

I wouldn't go there. Management can keep sick employees from the workplace. It is an individual choice whether or not to get a flu shot and also an individual responsibility to be able to work. A flu shot doesn't guarantee the employee won't get one strain of flu or another. It may help. Coincidentally, last year I got my flu shots and 2 days later ran a high fever for almost a week. Coincidence??? Who knows. Management climbs a slippery slope when they mandate medically related treatments unless in a health services industry.