With the oncoming winter season, America is preparing to be hit by the H1N1 influenza virus. While vaccinations of the public are off to a slow start, there is nevertheless a strong call for healthcare workers to be immunized. This issue is hotly debated, particularly in New York state which is requiring healthcare providers to take the vaccination.
The University of Michigan's Mott Children's Hospital conducted a survey of where American patients stand in the mandatory immunization debate. The study reported that 87% of the 2,365 adults who participated in the survey supported mandatory vaccination of healthcare workers. The director of the poll, Dr. Matthew Davis, said it was clear that public sentiment was for doctors and nurses to lead by example and get the vaccination.
Nurses and other healthcare professionals have a number of protestations to forced vaccination and only 38% said they would receive it. Objections are based on a number of factors, including religious choices, a preference to treat the flu only if it is caught, and the idea that a seasonal flu vaccine offers enough protection.
Still, there is a lingering sentiment that those who treat patients should do everything they can to prevent acquiring the H1N1 flu and, further, spreading it to uninfected patients. During a nursing shortage and a recession, healthcare workers, especially registered nurses (RNs) have had to work longer, more strenuous hours. During the cold season, it would be unwise to risk the health of medical professionals.
Despite the protests to mandatory hospital vaccinations, there are other healthcare workers who agree that prevention is the best choice. Employees of hospitals and healthcare facilities in Indiana and Tennessee have already received their vaccination. The Associated Press reported that the first dose of the vaccine in Indiana was given to Dr. Charles Miramonti, an emergency room physician at the Wishard Memorial Hospital in Indianapolis. The event was covered by the press and even attended by Gov. Mitch Daniels.