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@mylist.net> on behalf of Cockrum, MD David S <dcockrum@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
(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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