[MCOH-EH] Varicella Vaccine refusal due to religious beliefs

[Lawrence Budnick]

We require all clinicians to get or document baseline titers for MMRV and hepatitis B, so we can better counsel those who appear susceptible, offer appropriate vaccinations and manage them after an exposure incident. Since we have a high proportion of employees from countries where HBV infection is high or intermediate prevalence, we test for HBsAg, anti-HBS and anti-HBC. When we had our latest measles exposure incident, our state DOH did not allow employees to continue working in the affected ambulatory care building unless they had a documented positive measles titer.

Lawrence D. Budnick, MD, MPH
Professor of Medicine
Director, Occupational Medicine Service
Rutgers University - New Jersey Medical School
65 Bergen Street, Suite GA-167, Newark, NJ 07107
tel 973.972.2900
fax 973.972.2904
lawrence.budnick at rutgers.edu<mailto:lawrence.budnick at rutgers.edu>

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From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces+budnicla=njms.rutgers.edu at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Cockrum, MD David S
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 5:21 PM
To: MCOH/EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Varicella Vaccine refusal due to religious beliefs

Similarly, we don’t mandate vaccines, and they can also refuse the titer. But if we have no proof of immunity, they sign a statement of understanding that they could be removed from work without pay should there be an outbreak for which they are not protected – or if they are diagnosed with one of the diseases.

David

DAVID​


COCKRUM

,

MD



Physician

Faith Regional Physician Services

Occupational Health



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From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Tim Crump
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 3:28 PM
To: MCOH/EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Varicella Vaccine refusal due to religious beliefs


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In Oregon, we are not able to require that staff get vaccinations.  However, we are now implementing a program of requiring those who decline vaccinations to get a titer.  At least then we have a better sense of their immune status.  Best, Tim

From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces+crumpt=ohsu.edu at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Lisa Dyrdahl
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 12:56 PM
To: MCOH/EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Varicella Vaccine refusal due to religious beliefs

We would allow a religious exemption for any vaccine.  These are approved through HR only if based on religion, not on a philosophical belief.  They must submit the objection in writing about why their religion opposes vaccination.  There are tons of these on the web, we get mostly the same script.

Philosophical beliefs are so easily refuted, i.e., “I don’t put anything foreign in my body”…while eating a donut covered in sprinkles with food dye.

Lisa Dyrdahl, RN, BSN
Manager Employee Health
UWMC Valley Medical Center
Ph 425-228-3440 x5720
Fax 425-656-5066

From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net>> On Behalf Of Marilyn Byrd
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 12:44 PM
To: MCOH/EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net<mailto:mcoh-eh at mylist.net>>
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Varicella Vaccine refusal due to religious beliefs

Good afternoon,
I have recently had a new hire request to refuse the varicella vaccine due to her own religious beliefs. No specific doctrine, just her own beliefs.
We have not had this request before now which thinking about it now I can’t believe we have not.

I am curious if any of you allow healthcare workers to refuse the varicella vaccine based on their religious beliefs?

Thank you

Marilyn Byrd, RN MSN
System Director
Employee Health
Office: 812-238-7163
Fax: 812-238-7287

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