Why so pushy this year?

[monkaha]

I'm a nurse (LPN) working in a hospital. There has been a campaign for employees to get a flu shot every year. We have also always offered it to patients during winter months. This year though, it is a "moral imperitive" for the "health and safety of our families and patient" that we all get the shot. There was a set flu shot clinic for employees one day, and now the employee health team goes round the hospital daily, making sure all have had their shots. We are told we must sign a declination letter if we aren't getting the shot. Patients are asked on admit if they've had the shot or would like it now, and are also made to sign a declination if they so choose. Daily audits are made on this too.

So what's the big deal here? Is there a new kickback program? Is it just pharma's marketing to make sure last year's ineffectiveness is forgotten?



Fortunately, I've skirted the whole declination deal by pointing at my gravid belly and telling them that I "forgot" my doctor's permission slip for the shot. I suspect that may not last too long though, as I can't help but mention to people how small safety and efficacy trial numbers are, or how maybe they could just eat better and quit smoking instead and still avoid the flu, etc.

[TanyaS]

As more people forego the flu and other vaccines, you will see in increased intensity in the marketing.

[peainthepod]

Originally Posted by TanyaS

As more people forego the flu and other vaccines, you will see in increased intensity in the marketing.

I agree completely. They're getting desperate as fewer and fewer people buy into the hype.

And some believe there might be more sinister motives behind the increased push for vaccination: http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...06663412840646

[kate3]

So what's the big deal here? Is there a new kickback program?

It's a Joint Commission recommendation.

[NewMama08]

From what I have read, pharma companies are seeing slowing growth in revenues. I could see this being related.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081029/drug_..._forecast.html

[pumpkin]

The push also seems to correlate with how much vaccine is available in a given year.

In low-supply years the campaign emphasizes certain risk groups. Many flu shot clinics will only give a shot to members of those groups. Obviously no huge advertising push to get everyone to get a shot.

In high-supply years, like this year, the campaign is intensified.

[Ophelia]

Originally Posted by monkaha

Patients are asked on admit if they've had the shot or would like it now, and are also made to sign a declination if they so choose.

Wow....so they want all patients admitted to have the shot?? I mean, a patient is there either because they are sick or need surgery. Is that really a good time to get a shot? Craaaaazy.

[MadameXCupcake]

Originally Posted by Ophelia

Wow....so they want all patients admitted to have the shot?? I mean, a patient is there either because they are sick or need surgery. Is that really a good time to get a shot? Craaaaazy.

That's what I was thinking, OMG. :

[mamakay]

They're also gearing up to make it mandatory for HCWs. The CDC has 2010 objectives where they're wanting most Americans to be getting the shot yearly by then, and universal coverage of HCWs is part of the plan.

[angelpie545]

It does seem kind of pushy, doesn't it? There was a a flu shot "clinic" at my local Safeway. Kind of funny-my Safeway doesn't even have a pharmacy. The "clinic" was located right in front of some registers and consisted of only a table, some boxes with the shots, some forms to sign, and chairs. They asked me all bright and cheery like, "Would you like a flu shot?". Um, no, thanks.

[Fyrestorm]

I think they are trying to make up for last year's losses

[k9sarchik]

Remember last year's flu shot didn't even work.

There is just more news about vaccinations so they want to shove it down our throats that it's soooo needed.

[Full Heart]

Originally Posted by k9sarchik

Remember last year's flu shot didn't even work.

There is just more news about vaccinations so they want to shove it down our throats that it's soooo needed.

Not only did it not work, there was less flu cases than in the previous years. Hmmm coincidence?

Can't believe they are asking people as they come to the hospital. I don't think thats the best time to be vaxing someone!

[Sileree]

I have read that the CDC/gov wants pharmaceutical companies to have the capacity to make enough flu shots for every citizen in case of an avian flu epidemic. So essentially they want every single person to get one every year. Thus the increasingly lame reasoning for recommendations for more and more groups of people to get one, i.e. the recent "vaccinating everyone under 18 to prevent passing on the flu to the elderly" spiel. Why they won't just tell everyone the reason I don't know.

[monkaha]

Originally Posted by Ophelia

Wow....so they want all patients admitted to have the shot?? I mean, a patient is there either because they are sick or need surgery. Is that really a good time to get a shot? Craaaaazy.

I totally agree. I've been trying to find a way to talk them out of it without being too obvious about my bias (and, of course, without losing my job). I tend to remind them that this is not a free shot, that they and/or their insurance co will be billed. Sadly, that makes more of an impression on most than a more factual, anti-vax argument would.

We do have one surgeon that refuses vaxes for his patients-writes in all caps NO FLU SHOT on every patient. I keep wanting to talk to him about it, but he is, um, not the most approachable doc we see on our floor.