Getting vaccinations while working with the elderly.

[Belle]

I have recently started working with a public transit company driving a lift bus. My employer offers a series of three HepB shots that they will pay for. There is a very real possibility that I will be exposed to blood on this job. I will use universal precautions for blood exposure but they showed us a video that had me scared about it.

I'm considering taking them up on the HepB shots.

But I'm not so sure about the flu. I've never had a flu shot in my life so I don't really know much about it. I transport many people to and from their medical appointments. Some of them are very fragile medically and many of them are dialysis patients. I don't want to go exposing these people to the flu at all if I can prevent it. Also, I'm breastfeeding. Will this get into my milk? Can I get a non-mercury flu shot? I'm clueless.

Thoughts?

[spero]

Originally Posted by Belle

I have recently started working with a public transit company driving a lift bus. My employer offers a series of three HepB shots that they will pay for. There is a very real possibility that I will be exposed to blood on this job.

Well, first you need to assess your own personal risk.

Can you explain how, as a driver, you will be exposed to blood on the job? And how likely is it that you will actually exchange blood/bodily fluids with these people? (Just getting blood ON you isn't going to infect you, even if the blood is Hep B-infected.) Use common sense and keep open sores/cuts/etc. covered.

In general, how likely is it that the elderly people you work with have been exposed to Hep B in the first place?

I will use universal precautions for blood exposure but they showed us a video that had me scared about it.

I'm considering taking them up on the HepB shots.

Lots of medical personnel refuse Hep B shots. Perhaps one of the RNs/EMTs/paramedics here will pop in to comment.

But I'm not so sure about the flu. I've never had a flu shot in my life so I don't really know much about it.

The flu vax is a total crapshoot, at best. It's based on LAST YEAR'S strains of flu, which are unlikely to occur two years in a row. Almost everyone I know who gets the flu shot gets sick from it (not necessarily the flu, but crappy viral sick nonetheless) almost right away.

The shot does contain thimerosal. The inhaled vax (FluMist) is a live virus vax, which mean that you can easily transmit the disease to others for the next 7-21 days.

MedImmune Vaxin (flu vax) and Sanofi (Avian flu vax) culture their newer flu vaccines on aborted fetal cell lines.

I transport many people to and from their medical appointments. Some of them are very fragile medically and many of them are dialysis patients. I don't want to go exposing these people to the flu at all if I can prevent it.

If it makes you feel more responsible, wear a cheapo surgical mask during flu season (or just when you're feeling under the weather), when you're in contact with these patients. That, plus good nutrition & handwashing habits, are excellent means of preventing transmission. If you're reasonably healthy, you shouldn't have to worry about infecting others.

Also, I'm breastfeeding. Will this get into my milk?

Everything you put into your body gets into your breastmilk, to some degree.

Can I get a non-mercury flu shot?

Not that I'm aware of. AFAIK they all contain thimerosal.

[Belle]

Can you explain how, as a driver, you will be exposed to blood on the job? And how likely is it that you will actually exchange blood/bodily fluids with these people? (Just getting blood ON you isn't going to infect you, even if the blood is Hep B-infected.) Use common sense and keep open sores/cuts/etc. covered.

I didn't mean to imply that elderly people are more likely to have HepB. But cleaning up blood spills from nosebleeds, leaking IV wounds, etc are a very common job hazard. And this vaccine is offered by my employer as a precaution. It is not required.

Thanks for the info on the flu vax. I know no vax is without side effects, but if its not really going to be that effective then the risk/reward ratio is not worth it. I Just am worried about getting not just elderly, but very medically fragile people sick. I'm pretty healthy and but I did have the flu in spring 07 and it keep me sick for about a month.

[spero]

Originally Posted by Belle

cleaning up blood spills from nosebleeds, leaking IV wounds, etc are a very common job hazard.

OK, I get that. Again - masks and gloves, covering your own open wounds, etc. should be adequate protection, no?

[spero]

Originally Posted by Belle

I did have the flu in spring 07 and it keep me sick for about a month.

I suggest that you look at the threads here on sodium ascorbate.

[momofmine]

Personally, I would not get either, and I would be especially adamant about not doing it if I were breastfeeding.

[T&D2005]

Well, if you have to clean up nosebleeds, oozing wounds ect., and ARE using universal precautions, then you shouldn't have a problem. I know I surely would not touch anything without gloves- right? Bring a box with you just in case there is nothing in the van. The previous posters explained everything else how I would have. I would be more concerned about the Hep B vax leaking into my breastmilk over anything else. The likelyhood of you getting Hep B is very small as a driver. There are far worse things to get (MRSA, VRE ect..) that is common in LTC settings. If you get the flu, you can wear a mask. This is all just my opinion though..

[PassionateWriter]

considering the facts as you have presented them, i wouldnt be getting either. we dont vax, though, but i esp. wouldnt get a vax if i were bf'ing one or more of my children.

[Belle]

Originally Posted by T&D2005

Well, if you have to clean up nosebleeds, oozing wounds ect., and ARE using universal precautions, then you shouldn't have a problem. I know I surely would not touch anything without gloves- right? Bring a box with you just in case there is nothing in the van.

We have to have a body fluid cleanup kit in the bus before we leave the lot. Its required to be on the bus. It includes a mask, gloves, apron, eyeshield and and all that I would need to keep me safe. The one thing I'm concerned about is the video they had us watch. It was really freaky. Thanks for putting my mind to rest ladies. I think I'll pass on the HepB too.

[Deborah]

My son-in-law works with elderly people. He asked me about the flu vaccine. I did a little digging around and found a Cochrane review about flu shots for health workers. I shared it with him, he decided not to get the shot, but just to continue to be diligent about handwashing.

You can find Cochrane reviews online pretty easily and they did a whole series on flu.

[snuffles]

I always thought Healthcare workers were exposed to HepB mostly through needlesticks. You won't be handling needles, will you?