Chicago Nurse Claims He Was Suspended for Refusing to Get Flu Vaccine

A Chicago nurse says he was suspended from his job for refusing to get a flu shot.

Officials estimate that roughly half of all Americans get the flu shot, and Marek Piszczatowski, a nurse at John H. Stroger Jr., Hospital of Cook County, says it’s a good idea.

“I don't have any problem with vaccinations,” he said. “I had them as a child.”

What Piszczatowski says is a bad idea, however, is a mandate requiring employees of the Cook County health system where he works to get a flu shot

“You’re practically being blackmailed,” he said. “You either comply with that or get fired.”

After getting a notice that he needed to get a flu shot, Piszczatowski said he refused. Then came another letter, and this week he and a union representative went to a hearing that could result in the loss of his job, he said.

“I should be able to choose,” he said.

Piszczatowski is not alone. Across the country healthcare workers, with nurses in the lead, are mobilizing against mandatory flu vaccinations. Some who have already lost their jobs have filed suit.

Last year, a pregnant nurse who refused to get a flu shot due to her fear of miscarrying was fired from her job with a health care company.

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an advisory to doctors that this season’s flu shot may not be as effective as it should be.

Federal officials say the flu causes about 200,000 hospitalizations annually. Last year, the CDC reported 46 percent of people were vaccinated.

In some healthcare settings, there are usually religious and medical exemptions, and several hospitals require those who choose to not get vaccinated to wear a mask.

In a statement the Cook County Health and Hospitals System said to knowingly put “patients and coworkers at risk when we know that risk can be reduced by a safe, effective vaccine is irresponsible.”

It also said the mandatory flu vaccine policy “follows the recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

Piszczatowski said frequent hand washing and a mask already protects patients, and patients themselves could get the flu vaccine if they haven’t already.

He claims he has since been suspended and is using his vacation time while he waits for a decision on his future with the health system.

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