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HC Workers Protest Mandatory H1N1 Vaccine / NYS Health Commissioner Responds

By Dave Lucas

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-863186.mp3

Albany, NY – Hundreds of health care workers rallied in Albany Tuesday, angry that they are being forced to receive H1N1 flu shots. Shortly after the rally concluded, The New York State Health Commissioner defended the new rule. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.

Health care workers from across the state of the New York rallied at the State Capitol Tuesday in Albany to protest a state regulation requiring them to get a H1N1 Flu shot by November 30th or lose their jobs. The State Health Department issued an emergency regulation in August that requires all health care workers in hospitals, public health clinics, hospices, and in home health care be immunized against seasonal and the H1N1 Flu. Health care workers claim that their rights are being violated, the Swine Flu vaccine has not been fully tested and they don't want to be "guinea pigs."

Opponents believe it's wrong that all five swine flu vaccine makers contracting with the federal government have been indemnified against lawsuits if someone gets sick or dies. State Health Commissioner Dr. Richard Daines says the mandatory flu vaccine is in the best interest of patients and workers. New York's top public health official predicts dissenters will ultimately extinguish their anger and roll up their sleeves. The hard core dissenters say they won't. Dr. Daines pointed out that only 40 to 50 percent of health-care workers usually get the annual flu shots voluntarily. Daines expects the first batch of the new swine flu vaccine should be circulating in the state by October 5th.

Influenza (Flu) Weekly Update New York State Department of Health

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