Encouraging Nursery School Staff to get Flu shot

[anonymous]

I was looking for advise if your day care providers or teachers were encouraged to get flu shots.

Maggie started nursery school this week. She had a great time! The staff is very receptive to learning about CF. I gave them the teacher's guide to CF as well as info about enzymes. i emphasized the more important issues of infection control and brought a big supply of clorox wipes, purell, tissues for the classroom. Anyway, I asked the head teacher is she got a flu shot just cause I said our family does to protect Maggie and she said no. I'm trying NOT to be overbearing but what is a way to encourage them to go ahead and get the flu shot. Maggie only goes to school 2 times a week but I figure all these things could make the whole class healthier.

Thanks for any advice.

Rebecca(mom to sammy 8 no CF and Maggie 3 1/2 with CF)

 

[Ratatosk]

Around here they recommend all teacher, daycare providers, caregivers, family members, medical staff -- anyone who is in close contact with children, large groups of people, get the flu shot. They're top of the list if there's a shortage. At DS's preschool/daycare all the teachers, helpers get flu shots.

Maybe you could contact social services or whomever handles licensing for the preschool and ask what they would recommend.

 

[anonymous]

I know it is reccommended for teachers where I work but it is not required. I would NOT bring it up to the teacher/day care provider. I think that it is their decision and that it is being rude to ask them to get one. If one of my student's parents came up and asked me that I would be tempted to tell them to mind their own business. People have their own reasons for not getting shots and you can't ask that of a teacher. Yeah you could ask your family that, but not someone you don't know. But that is just my opinion.

Also, some schools do require it so maybe check into whether your school does. Sorry to sound harsh I don't mean to at all, its just you would be shocked at all the things teachers deal with and this probably wouldn't be a good idea to bring up with them.

Sue 24w/CF

 

[thefrogprincess]

It may be rude to ask them to get one, but it is not rude to inform them of the risks to your child. Help them understand that she is considered high risk. Besides, who wants the flu!?! Being miserable for a week is not my idea of a good time. If they don't want to get a shot then inform them that if they think another child, or worker has the flu that you will not be bringing your child in until they are better.

 

[wanderlost]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>anonymous</b></i>

I know it is reccommended for teachers where I work but it is not required. I would NOT bring it up to the teacher/day care provider. I think that it is their decision and that it is being rude to ask them to get one. If one of my student's parents came up and asked me that I would be tempted to tell them to mind their own business. People have their own reasons for not getting shots and you can't ask that of a teacher. Yeah you could ask your family that, but not someone you don't know. But that is just my opinion.



Also, some schools do require it so maybe check into whether your school does. Sorry to sound harsh I don't mean to at all, its just you would be shocked at all the things teachers deal with and this probably wouldn't be a good idea to bring up with them.



Sue 24w/CF</end quote></div>

I have to agree. I am a school teacher and I have CF and I do not get a flu shot due to some of my beliefs about vaccinating. If someone asked me to get one, I would be gracious, but still would not do it. As long as your child gets the flu shot, then she will be protected from this years anticipated strain, whether or not her teachers get the shot, but remember, she won't be protected from any other strains, so a flu bug could still go through the daycare.

 

[anonymous]

Thank you for your replies. I think I'll just put the information out there to the teachers, of course no one can force them to get a flu shot.

It's not just the flu that makes one sick when you get the flu, it's the secondary bronchial infection that can also occur with weeks of coughing, antibiotics, it's really bad to get the flu. I can't remember the number each year of people that die from complications from the flu but it's alot.

Rebecca