Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Health workers, public may refuse H1N1 vaccines
Health care workers will balance the risks of H1N1 flu against the novelty of vaccines developed to combat it, according to research published in Emerging Health Threats Journal.
Canadian researchers conducted 11 focus groups (eight community groups and three for health care workers) in Vancouver asking participants how willing they would be to accept a new vaccine in case of a pandemic. They found that respondents were reluctant to get vaccinated against an illness they perceived as mild.
"Participants were very concerned that in a pandemic, a vaccine would be brought to market without sufficient testing for safety," researchers wrote. Many among all 11 focus groups believed that hand washing, social distancing or a good diet conferred protection. In the words of one health care worker: "A lot, well all of us probably practice basic body, blood, fluid precautions, right? ... So, we're equipped in that way to handle new diseases. We know how to protect ourselves. At least we think we do."
Similarly, health care workers are balancing the severity of the disease vs. any potential risk in a new vaccine. One health care worker told researchers: "Information would be key and I'd have to weigh the cost and the benefit of ... I'd have to know what would be the implications of getting the disease. And what would be the implications of getting the vaccine."
Meanwhile, a panel of U.S. presidential advisors finds looked at a plausible planning scenario--not a prediction--that H1N1 could infect 60 million to 120 million Americans (20%-40% of the population), killing 30,000 to 90,000 people. And the Washington Post looks at history for a lesson from the flu outbreak of 1957.
Labels: H1N1, infectious disease, vaccination
posted by Ryan DuBosar at
11:59 AM
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4 Comments:
In my course as a healthcare provider I have probably been exposed to hundreds of HIV positive patients without my knowledge. The HIV test is not done routinely and is highly confidential. Unless the doctor orders the test we never know. Added to that are the Hepatitis and Tuberculosis infected patients - also those with MRSA that are not routinely screened. As it is, once a year I am forced to receive a tuberculosis skin test. Usually after this test I get a bad cold or flu. Now I am expected to serve as a guinea pig for a the new H1N1 vaccine. I received notification that if I sign a declination form I will be required to wear a surgical mask throughout my ENTIRE shift for six months (which represents the flu season). I am going to decline the H1N1 vaccine for several reasons. I do not appreciate the hospital attempting to infringe on my civil rights and putting my health at risk by requiring me to accept a vaccine for which effects are not known. As healthcare workers we are exposed to violence in the workplace and a multitude of diseases. We understand we did not sign up to take care of healthy people and accept this risk. However, the line must be drawn and forced vaccination is where I draw that line. We cannot take care of anyone unless first we take care of ourselves.
Anonymous, you're being joined by others in your resistance. The story and a quick-vote poll are here: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/health_science/daily/20090909_Health_workers__who_often_balk__pressured_to_get_flu_shots.html
Civil rights is correcet. I agree with the fact of your unknown exposure to patiets with MRSA when we find out we have taken cre of them for days and then come to work and they are in Isolation. We have to decide what is right for ourselves. I never receive the flu vaccine and just last year had to sign a release form. They didn't make us wear masks for entire shift, and I know alot more people have died from the seasonal flu than H1N1. When do our rights end? Do we leave the profession or the Country?
You cannot threaten consequences for refusing a mandate against your civil rights. That is extortion. We are the American people. We have rights.
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