January 16, 2013 in Health

The Spokesman-Review

Kathy Plonka photo

Kootenai Health recruiter Brittany Stockstill decided to wear a mask instead of getting a flu shot while working in the business services department at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur dAlene. Six percent of hospital staff chose a mask over thevaccination. (Full-size photo)

Hospitals, clinics and nursing homes increasingly are requiring their employees to get a flu shot, but some health care workers are refusing, putting their jobs on theline.

A Newman Lake woman said she felt she had no choice but to resign from Kootenai Behavioral Health because she would not comply with a new policy directing employees to get vaccinated for influenza or wear a mask at work during fluseason.

Sarah Peterson, a mental health specialist, resigned Dec. 7 after more than 17 years at Kootenai Behavioral Health, which is part of KootenaiHealth.

They have every right to make it mandatory, and I have every right to stay or quit, said Peterson, adding she didnt want to befired.

Two other workers at Kootenai Health have resigned for the same reason rather than face discipline that could lead to their dismissal, spokeswoman Kim Andersonsaid.

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Some in health care refusing flu vaccine - Wed, 16 Jan 2013 PST