http://wcbstv.com/breakingnewsalerts/mandatory.h1n1.vaccine.2.1252672.html


Judge Halts Flu Vaccine Mandate For Health Workers


New York Health Care Employees Won't Be Forced To Get H1N1 Vaccine...For Now
Oct 16, 2009 12:23 pm US/Eastern
State Supreme Court judge issued a restraining order Friday against the 
state from enforcing the controversial mandatory vaccination.

Three parties - the Public Employees Federaion, New York State United 
Teachers, and an attorney representing four Albany nurses - challenged the 
order and for now the vaccination for nurses, doctors, aides, and 
non-medical staff members who might be in a patient's room will remain 
voluntary.

New York was the first state in the country to initially mandate flu 
vaccinations for its health care workers, but many health care workers 
quickly protested against the ruling. In Hauppauge, workers outside a local 
clinic screamed "No forced shots!" when the mandate came down at the end of 
September.

"I don't even tend to the sick. I am in the nutrition field. They are 
telling me I must get the shot because I work in a health clinic setting," 
said Paula Small, a Women, Infants and Children health care worker.

Small said she would refuse to be vaccinate, worried the vaccine is untested 
and unproven, leaving her vulnerable. In 1976, there were some deaths 
associated with a swine flu vaccination.

Registered nurse Frank Mannino, 50, was also angry. He said the state 
regulation violates his personal freedom and civil rights.

"And now I will lose my job if I don't take the regular flu shot or the 
swine flu shot."

When asked if he's willing to lose his job, Mannino said, "Absolutely. I 
will not take it, will not be forced. This is still America."

The protest also shook Albany. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded freedom of 
choice. After all, as health care professionals, they argue they're already 
constantly washing their hands and aren't likely to transmit or contract the 
flu.

Around 500,000 health care workers would have been slated to receive the 
vaccine

"It's certainly their prerogative to voice their opinion," said Dr. Susan 
Donelan of Stony Brook University Hospital.

Donelan said most in the medical community see the benefits and safety of 
the shots and welcome them, and that hospitals must obey the law.

"Our hospital is committed to following the mandate to have our personnel 
vaccinated," she said.

The state said change was needed this year to save lives. Typically only 
about 45 percent of health care workers take advantage of voluntary flu 
vaccines.

More than 150 institutional outbreaks of seasonal and H1N1 flu are expected 
this year in hospitals, nursing homes and hospice centers.

There is also a strong resistance to the vaccine from the general public. A 
new Harvard University poll shows that only four in 10 adults intend to take 
the vaccine themselves, and only six in 10 plan to give it to their 
children.