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MA nurses union says no to smallpox vaccine

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, January 22, 2003

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A Massachusetts nurses union says it will not encourage its members to receive voluntary smallpox vaccines unless some major kinks are worked out of the federal plan that allows them to have it.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) voiced its concerns on January 21 that the vaccines could do more harm than good.

The MNA raised concerns that:

• There are no specifics in the Homeland Security Act that allow nurses to take paid leave if they experience smallpox symptoms from the vaccine
• There is no malpractice protection in the Homeland Security Act, which leaves health care organizations vulnerable to lawsuits if vaccinated nurses spread the disease to patients or other nurses who've opted not to receive the vaccination
• The state's Workman's Compensation laws are unclear regarding what kinds of coverage will exist for health care organizations if nurses become infected

The Homeland Security Bill takes effect on January 24 and allows health care workers to voluntarily receive the smallpox vaccination in an effort to deter or combat a possible bioterror attack.

To read the MNA's response in its entirety, click here.

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