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

[Yvonne Noel]

Per our new hire policy (which is based on Texas law), it is requested that new hires  provide proof of immunization or a titer showing immunity. If they do not provide one of these items, a titer is drawn during new hire processing.  If proof of one dose of vaccine is provided, the second dose is administered.  If titer is negative, vaccine is offered.   If they refuse vaccine, they are required to  submit a request for exemption, either medical or religious.  The request is reviewed by a committee comprised of an ID physician, HR, Infection Control, Pastoral Care and Occupational Health.  The exemption can be approved either for a period of time (e.g. pregnancy or receiving chemo) or permanently or it can be denied.   If denied,  completing the vaccine becomes a condition of employment.



Post exposure, the post exposure protocol would go into effect.  Individuals who have a positive titer are not monitored.  Individuals who have satisfied the two dose vaccine requirement but do not have a positive titer are required to have temperature checks (because of the possibility of vaccine waning/failure) day 10-21 post exposure, or day 10-28 if VZIG was given. Individuals who have not received vaccine and do not have immune titers are furloughed day 8-21 post exposure.

Yvonne Noel, RN, BSN, COHNs

________________________________
From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces+mary.noel=childrens.com at mylist.net> on behalf of Cockrum, MD David S <dcockrum at frhs.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 4:20 PM
To: MCOH/EH
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] Varicella Vaccine refusal due to religious beliefs

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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


[cid:image178840.png at 0B81F7DE.0F086495] (402) 844 8300<tel:(402)%20844%208300>



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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>
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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