New England Diary

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Judge rules Brigham can order nurses to get fly shots

Via Cambridge Management Group (cmg625.com):

The Massachusetts Nurses Association isn't happy that  a judge has ruled that Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boson, has the right to order its employees to get the flu vaccine

“We are disappointed with the decision and are considering an appeal,”  MNA spokesman David Schildmeier told the Boston Herald. “To threaten a nurse with her job for exercising her right under (Department of Public Health) regulations to decline the vaccine, when that vaccine in the last two years has been between 20-35 percent effective, is an unfair and punitive policy.”

Judge Anthony M. Campo, of Suffolk Superior Court,  ruled in favor of the Brigham, which last fall began ordering that   all employees  get the flu vaccine, barring very specific medical or religious reasons. Those who are unvaccinated must wear face masks.

The MNA contends a stringent policy isn't needed, given  the Brigham staff’s 98 percent vaccination rate.

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