Is it possible to work in a hospital and not get vaxed?

[Zamber]

Ok, here is the situation: I don't vax my son, and I have not recieved any vaxes since childhood (and would rather not). I have a possible opportunity to work in a hospital as a environmental services aid, where I would be cleaning (patient rooms, offices, hallways, and opperating rooms). I am attracted to the steady full time hours and benefits for my family (which I have never had the option of benefits at a job in my life). Since I would not actually be caring for patients, I had a small crazy hope that I could avoid vaxes. However, it is my understanding from anyone I talk to that I must vax. I am so torn - if I could avoid the vaxes this would be an easier decision to make. So, anyone know if you can get away with a religious exemption in this situation? Or, has anyone gone against their beliefs and vaxed to provide for their families? And if you do vax in order to work, how often do you have to be vaxed? Thanks in advance for your thoughts in this matter.

[34me]

When I worked in a health care setting I had to have a TB test every year and because we had a Hep B carrier we were required to have the Hep B vaccine. No one cared about any others.

[Zamber]

So no flu vax being required (That is the one vax I have never had in my life - my family believes it lead to my grandfathers death )? And will checking immunity levels work for Hep B (I believe they call it checking titers?)? The TB test has a blood test that is far more accurate - do they allow for that VS the injection test?

Also, I was told that they will force the measels vax on me because of the "outbreak". Any truth to this?

[Erin11]

I work in an ER and nope no one has ever said anything to me about being vaxed, although they offer the flu vax for free every year. I just don't get it I do need a TB test every year though. HTH

[Erin11]

Oh yeah, I have never heard mention of the Hep.B vax at work, ever. My vax status is no one's biz

[thepeach80]

I think it's just going to depend. I just did my CNA class to start nursing school and all I had to have was the TB test. They did have a list up at clinicals where I was working of people who needed to get their Hep B shots, but that may just be optional and of course most people take it if it's free. I chose to get the Hep B going into the medical field, but my kids will stay vax free. I've only had 2 of the 3 shots so it'll be a while b/c of the new babe before I get the last one. I know on the vaccination exemption site I always use it has exemptions on there for health care workers.

[Mylie]

I have worked for my hospital for 3 years now..

When I was hired part of my hire physical was bloodwork..They checked my titers...I was immune to everything but the MMR.At that time I was able to decline the vaccine..I just signed a paper..I also declined the flu vaccine that year.You cannot decline the yearly TB skin test..I just had that done again last week.I signed a paper again about 8 months after I was hired that I was again declining the MMR vaccine.

Then last year they sent a notice to all employees.Due to the high levels of rotoviris ect...that was happening the state was saying that all health care workers should have the vaccines..And to work in certain areas it was mandatory.My area was one of them..Either I had to have the MMR vaccine or they would transfer my to laundrey or the kitchen..Uh..I don't think so.: So I went ahead and got the MMR vaccine..It didn't hurt me but I didn't like it..I had to keep my job..And with the economy the way it was they were laying off and I wasn't about to be one of the ones laid off..I need my job..

Now my baby is turning a year old and attends the hospital daycare..I am frantic about her getting the imminent MMR vaccine..That is the one that really scares me for the Autism stuff..I am going to do my best to delay it as long as possible..Hopefully till she is two.The hospital daycare is for hospital employees only and vaccinating is mandatory for this facility because of all the germs and bugs that may come in the door thru the doctors and nurses as they pick up their kids.It says in the contrace that your children will be vaccinated to attend this daycare..I have been only getting the required ones and so far haven't had a problem with the others.

But anyhoo..I guess it depends on your hospital..Check it out...You probably would get away with a religious exemption if they haven't been conned into doing what my hospital has done..I wish I could....

Good Luck...

[Zamber]

Thanks for your responses so far . It really helps me to think things thru.

Here is what I was refering to on the TB Test (by saying you have an allergy to Phenol) - scroll down, it is labeled Alternative TB TEST! (blood test):
http://www.nccn.net/~wwithin/TBtest&BCGvax.htm

So, it sounds like the main thing they are across the board worried about is the TB test. Everything else is run by the individual hospital. Correct? And is your privacy totally protected, as to not get discriminated at work for not following what everyone else does (does patient confidentiality apply?)? Do they give your boss the heads up? Or is it a total non-issue and I am just being paranoid?

Sorry for all the questions, but considering to work in a hospital is a new thing for me. However, I am willing to do what it takes to provide for my family, since my husband can only work so much with going to school full time (once he is done with college, I would love to go myself). I could wait for other jobs to come thru, but I am not crazy about the wait (I guess you can say I am impatient ), and would love some benefits for once.