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October 14, 2003
Don’t sign "informed refusal" forms for influenza immunization
While BCNU supports the flu vaccination program as a sound preventative health measure, a positive, solution-oriented approach to the issue is far superior to a coercive or punitive approach.
BCNU is advising members not to sign "Informed refusal of influenza immunization" forms which employees are being asked to sign if they decline to receive a flu shot. This form is currently being circulated in the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority but may show up elsewhere in the province.
At issue is the statement "In the event of an influenza outbreak I may be excluded from the affected facility for the duration of the outbreak by order of the medical health officer."
It is BCNU’s position that employees need to see a full policy on the issue, including the exact circumstances, terms under which someone would be excluded from their work site and alternative options for those choosing not to receive the immunization. The form does not contain this information.
It is also BCNU’s position that employees should not be sent home without pay for failing to get a flu shot. The union believes that in the event of a flu epidemic, staffing levels at affected work sites should be examined to ensure that patient safety is not endangered by excluding nurses who are not immunized. If there are enough immunized nurses, it is BCNU’s position that those who are excluded from a work unit should be redeployed with pay.
While BCNU supports the flu vaccination program as a sound preventative health measure, a positive, solution-oriented approach to the issue is far superior to a coercive or punitive approach.
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