Mandatory Flu Shots for employees

lerobb · November 2011

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 · November 2011

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 · November 2011

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 · November 2011

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 · November 2011

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 · November 2011

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 · November 2011

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 · November 2011

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 · November 2011

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 · December 2011

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.

Mandatory Flu Shots for employees

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