Infection Control Committee

[Guest guest]

I recently accepted a position as the Quality Coordinator for a health

system after working over 10 years in as a Quality Director in mental

health.

Today I attended my first Infection Control Committee and was appalled

at the discussion which unfolded over one of the agenda items.

Data was presented on the immunization rates for employees receiving

the flu vaccine. One physician was very upset over the 60% compliance

rate.

He suggested that employees, who refuse to be vaccinated should not be

promoted and should not receive raises. It didn't end there. He then

suggested that no new employees be hired unless they received the

required immunizations. When the Risk Officer stated they could not

legally enforce this, the physician became so upset he angrily stated,

" Then we should line them all up and shoot them! "

Another physician then stated it should be a requirement for all

non-immunized staff to wear face masks and pins, which would warn

patients that they could potentially infect them.

This discussion continued for longer than I would have liked and more

suggestions like putting together a list of names of those who refuse,

etc. were brought up.

After the meeting someone, who is aware of my position on

immunizations told me that the physician, who suggested someone like

me be shot, used frequent sarcasm. I looked at her and stated, that

was not sarcasm!

Anyways, just had to share and vent as I re-evaluate my position.

Jen