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Have you had your flu shot yet? That’s what one Nova Scotia health care consultant wants the public to ask of nurses and others in the field. The consultant believes that’s the best way to protect more Nova Scotians getting the flu. But is it?
If that question was posed to you while at work, how would you answer? Would you answer?
Asking any worker, regardless of where they are employed, to answer this question opens a proverbial can of worms. If health care workers are required to reveal whether they have received a flu shot, should they be required to disclose whether they’ve recently travelled to a foreign country, risking exposure to other viruses. Might the public have the right to ask whether you have other health issues? As extreme as this sounds, where do we draw the line if we abide by this consultant’s recommendation?
What if the health care worker admits that they have not received their flu vaccine? What then? What are the consequences for the health care worker and what are the patient’s options?
The patient can refuse treatment and may have to wait for another provider who is willing to admit they’ve been immunized. The reality is, there are no consequences for the worker. Flu vaccines are not mandatory for health care workers and that’s a good thing. Influenza immunization is not a condition of employment in this province.
The Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative leader, Tim Houston, recently tabled amendments to the Health Protection Act that would require children entering the public system to have proof they’ve been vaccinated or given a medical exemption.
This bold measure has been bantered about in other provinces, largely to harsh criticism.
The truth is, both the consultant’s recommendation to ask your health care provider if they’ve had their flu shot and Mr. Houston’s amendment are well intended. At their core, the intention is to improve population health.
However, contrary to what the consultant suggests – that asking a worker if they have had their flu shot is the best way to protect the public – many would disagree. Getting the shot is better than asking. Staying home when you are sick is better than the public asking you if you’ve had your shot. Using personal protective equipment is better.
Nurses and other health care workers face immense pressure on the job. Encouraging the public to delve into their personal lives will do nothing to improve morale, improve care, or foster positive and trusting relationships.
NSNU still wholeheartedly advocates in favour of getting the flu shot in order to protect ourselves and the general population. In 2018-2019 only 36% of the population get the vaccine; the numbers for healthcare workers is slightly higher. Let’s do better this year.
Get the shot!
