Wow - Is YOUR nanny vaccinated?

[inchwormz]

I have such a hard time believing this is even an issue. Seriously? If I knew I had quality, affordable childcare that was easily accessible, shots would be the last thing on my mind.

http://www.parentdish.com/2010/01/07...lated-nannies/

Has the whole world gone mad?

[Deborah]

Who is acting out of fear and who is acting rationally?

It is all in the framing. The article frames it in such a way that rational parents want nannies who have been vaccinated against the flu. And that women who do not want to get vaccinated against the flu are fearful.

But the reality here is that the parents have been encouraged to be terrified of the flu and to believe that the vaccine will protect their babies.

[CorasMama]

I dunno. If it's something that could affect your child's health, I don't see why you wouldn't want to know. I'm going to have a baby with many possible issues, including pulmonary, and you'd better believe that if I were going to be hiring a caregiver, I'd want to be sure they were current on certain vaccinations!

[Deborah]

would you do the research to find out which vaccines prevent carriage and transmission, or just insist on the vaccines because you'll feel better?

[CorasMama]

Originally Posted by Deborah

would you do the research to find out which vaccines prevent carriage and transmission, or just insist on the vaccines because you'll feel better?

Why would you think I haven't already?

[japonica]

Hmm...that article...where does it stop? Do parents then insist that all extended family be up to date and get boosters? Family friends? Babysitters? Other moms and babies at playgroup?

[spedteacher30]

i think a lot of people want their nanny to get a flu shot so that they are less likely to call in sick for a week when they get the flu. If I had a nanny, it wouldn't be about them not spreading the illness to my son, it would be about them not getting the flu themselves and stranding me for childcare.

[EviesMom]

I don't worry about it, but I could see being concerned if I had a child with immunity issues. We've gotten Norwalk virus from our nanny (who got it from other kids she cares for) and plenty of colds.

[chaoticzenmom]

I wonder how many of these "concerned parents" are fully vaccinated themselves. I think it's ridiculous, but hey, if you want your nanny to have certain aspects, then you have the right to ask for them. However, it seems that many parents have unrealistic expectations of nannies. I've seen nannies treated like pets, so this article really bothers me because of that.

This does just seem like another made-up article for pharma though. I can't really imagine it being a real common problem for regular parents. Maybe the rich, New York, "nanny as pet" type families. I think it's great that potential nannies are saying "no." It'll make them think twice about what's more important, a good person to help with your children, or someone who's willing to be your pet.

They should be more concerned with Nanny's hygiene and healthy habits than vaccine status.

[SwanMom]

My sister's a nanny for a doctor's family. They have been trying to push flu shots on her. She has refused, but finally agreed to take tamiflu or something when he gave it to her (she didn't actually take it). The family has been sick off an on all fall, but she's been super healthy & hasn't missed any work.

[Jenelle]

Originally Posted by SwanMom

finally agreed to take tamiflu or something when he gave it to her

If this doctor actually just "gave" her Tamiflu, he should have his license revoked.

I haven't had my morning coffee yet -- someone correct me if I am wrong -- but Tamiflu is what you take when you actually HAVE the flu... Has some nasty side effects and how well it works is questionable.

[Addy's Mom]

Originally Posted by Jenelle

If this doctor actually just "gave" her Tamiflu, he should have his license revoked.

I haven't had my morning coffee yet -- someone correct me if I am wrong -- but Tamiflu is what you take when you actually HAVE the flu... Has some nasty side effects and how well it works is questionable.

It's used for flu prevention as well, although it seems to me the risks of the side effects outweighs any preventative value.

[Addy's Mom]

Originally Posted by chaoticzenmom

However, it seems that many parents have unrealistic expectations of nannies. I've seen nannies treated like pets, so this article really bothers me because of that.

Me too. The idea of demanding (or even suggesting) that anyone else undergo medical treatment just floors me. As if they are livestock.... Ugh.