03/07/2018

Ohio Bill Would Protect Employees Who Decline to Get Flu Shots

Ohio Hospital Association opposes the bill as it would create greater threats of influenza outbreaks

Should your boss be able to force you to get a flu shot? What about a hospital mandating all of its nurses and doctors receive the vaccine?

One Ohio lawmaker thinks both are bad ideas.

State Representative Christina Hagan (R-Alliance) is supporting House Bill 193, which would prevent an employer from taking action against an employee who has not been vaccinated against influenza.

The Ohio Hospital Association is fighting the bill saying: "Ohio’s hospitals and physicians are concerned that this legislation threatens the health and safety of patients, employees and the community. It is important to understand that influenza is a serious health risk and that nationally, approximately 266,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die annually as a result of the disease. The flu vaccine is the most effective method to prevent influenza, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all U.S. health care workers get vaccinated annually against influenza."

Please select this link to read the complete article from WBSN-10TV.