Any military personnel here trying to refuse flu vaccines?

[Jen78fl]

Hi all. Well I know this has been talked about, but for those of you who are active military or are married to an active duty member, and you are trying to refuse the flu vaccine, how do you go about this? My husband is coast guard and he would like to not get the flu vaccines anymore but he is not sure how to go about this.. I dont think he wants to file a religious exemption and from what it sounds like , that is really hard to get any way, (was reading an article about a CG officer who had to file a case in court). Is there some other way to do this that I am missing?? I really appreciate any suggestions!

Jennifer

[Pirogi]

The only way to refuse a vaccination (without a waiver) is if the order to get it is illegal.

http://www.mvrd.org/showpage.cfm?ID=26

[2boyzmama]

Suddenly develop an egg allergy maybe?

[Jen78fl]

THanks for your help...

Pirogi, I noticed that in that article it says that the vaccine must be proven safe. I am wondering if the short term clinical trials of the H1N1 vaccine will be considered enough to prove it to be safe?? I wouldnt think so...

My husband was thinking of possibly just not going for the vaccine and see what happens... Maybe they wouldnt notice? Would be nice! lol

[Arlii]

My husband is Navy and I've been trying to get him to skip the flu vaccine for years. I did my thesis on vaccinations & the military and what I found out through research & interviews is that it all depends on your command!

I talked to several service members who simply never showed up for the vaccine and no one said anything. Others were actually able to get someone to update their shot record without actually getting it (this isn't as common though). Others were able to get around it by either rescheduling or making up some sort of excuse. It all depends on your superiors and if they're keeping track of everything.

My husband tells me it's impossible to get around getting the flu vaccine, he says things have changed and it's not as easy as it used to be. There are 2 types of exemption waivers: medical and religious. In my research I found no one who was successfully able to get a waiver. Those who try are looked down upon. It's frustrating and sad but unfortunately your husband might have to get it. I would have him reschedule or simply not show up and see what happens.
Arlii

[Jen78fl]

thanks arli. I think we will just try the not showing up and see if maybe they wont notice!! I was also thinking that he could tell them that he had some really bad side effects the last time he got it.. I dont know if that would make a difference or not...

[Pirogi]

Originally Posted by Jen78fl

I noticed that in that article it says that the vaccine must be proven safe. I am wondering if the short term clinical trials of the H1N1 vaccine will be considered enough to prove it to be safe?? I wouldnt think so...

That might be an argument that could be used, but it would most likely have to be argued by an attorney after a suit had been filed. If your husband chooses to confront the issue directly and claim illegality, I would recommend he immediately requests legal representation from his Area Defense Counsel (or whatever the legal system is called in his branch), or else hire a civilian attorney.

Around here vaccines are tracked very stringently. Not showing up would only work for a little while. Then you would to report to the Commander.

[Jen78fl]

thanks pirogi