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@rutgers.edu

 

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From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces+budnicla=njms.rutgers.edu@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Cockrum, MD David S
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 5:21 PM
To: MCOH/EH <mcoh-eh@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

(402) 844 8300

2024 Pasewalk Avenue, Suite 2

Norfolk

NE

 

68701

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From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Tim Crump
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 3:28 PM
To: MCOH/EH <mcoh-eh@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@mylist.net] On Behalf Of Lisa Dyrdahl
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 12:56 PM
To: MCOH/EH <mcoh-eh@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@mylist.net> On Behalf Of Marilyn Byrd
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2019 12:44 PM
To: MCOH/EH <mcoh-eh@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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