Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Elsie Law's Daily Dose Of The Law: Mandatory Flu Vaccinations

An "emergency rule" was put into place in New York State, requiring all health care workers to be vaccinated against the flu. New York was the first state to enact this rule, which demands that health care workers get vaccinated for both the seasonal flu and the swine flu or their employment will be terminated.

The mandatory vaccinations are a great concern of health care workers (and other citizens) who don't want to receive them for a bevy of reasons, including the belief that they are unsafe.

A New York nurse has brought a lawsuit against the State requesting that the mandatory vaccination requirement be blocked. Her request for the restraining order is still pending.

According to news reports, New York's State Health Commissioner is arguing that the "emergency" mandatory vaccination rule is "legal" and necessary. He allegedly opines that there is a legal precedent for mandatory vaccinations with other diseases like the measles.

[SIDEBAR: First an attempt to create mandatory flu vaccinations for health care workers; who's next on the list to receive mandatory vaccinations.

I salute the nurse who brought the lawsuit. Thanks.]

No comments: