Re: Influenza vaccination in healthcare professionals
Not having seen the article in eBMJ, I read it when published this week, tellingly in the same issue as the discussion on mandatory childhood vaccination. (BMJ 2012;344:e2435)
Previous responders have pointed out the poor quality of evidence supporting the authors' contention. They gloss over low incidences of side effects, although there is little mention of the range or true rate of these in the quoted references. Even at a low rate, annual vaccination over a 40 year career gives an unacceptable likelihood of being affected, and employers would find themselves liable should serious illness follow mandatory vaccination. Nor do the authors suggest what sanctions might be necessary to force compliance: dismissal, fines or just disapprobation?
Salisbury (op.cit.) explains the poor effect of mandating vaccination, compared with persuasion on rational grounds. HCWs are more likely than most to be swayed by good evidence. Compulsion will do nothing for morale in an already beleaguered workforce. Let us hear no more of mandatory vaccination, please.
Competing interests:
I have been responsible for vaccinating healthcare professionals in a previous employment.
Rapid Response:
Re: Influenza vaccination in healthcare professionals
Not having seen the article in eBMJ, I read it when published this week, tellingly in the same issue as the discussion on mandatory childhood vaccination. (BMJ 2012;344:e2435)
Previous responders have pointed out the poor quality of evidence supporting the authors' contention. They gloss over low incidences of side effects, although there is little mention of the range or true rate of these in the quoted references. Even at a low rate, annual vaccination over a 40 year career gives an unacceptable likelihood of being affected, and employers would find themselves liable should serious illness follow mandatory vaccination. Nor do the authors suggest what sanctions might be necessary to force compliance: dismissal, fines or just disapprobation?
Salisbury (op.cit.) explains the poor effect of mandating vaccination, compared with persuasion on rational grounds. HCWs are more likely than most to be swayed by good evidence. Compulsion will do nothing for morale in an already beleaguered workforce. Let us hear no more of mandatory vaccination, please.
Competing interests: I have been responsible for vaccinating healthcare professionals in a previous employment.