Hagan said in testimony to her fellow lawmakers that Ohioans, particularly health care workers, feel their personal freedoms are being infringed upon and they’re feeling pressure from employers to be vaccinated against influenza.
“Many people, especially those who are in the business of keeping themselves and others health, do not want to inject strands of flu viruses into their system recognizing that the repercussions are not necessarily known nore are the positive intentions guaranteed,” she said in prepared testimony.
Mandating flu shots is a relatively new issue.
While several health care workers testified in favor of the bill, weighing in against it is the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Cleveland Clinic, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Hospital Association and the Ohio State Medical Assocation.
Opponents say the flu vaccine is the most effective means for preventing influenza that can lead to death in high risk patients. Doctors and hospitals are concerned that the legislation threatens the health and safety of patients, employees and the community, opponents testified.
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