If I work at a hospital, can my employer fire me for not getting a flu shot?
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If I work at a hospital, can my employer fire me for not getting a flu shot?
Asked on October 17, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Georgia
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, an employer may terminate an employee for failure to get a flu shot. Such mandatory polices are generally legal, particularly in your case since you work in a hospital and may come into contact with patients. Such a requirement would be deemed reasonable.
The fact is that unless you have a medical condition for which the flu shot is contra-indicated you will have to get one. That having been said, you may be able to avoid it if you have a union agreement or employment contract that prohibits mandatoy vaccines, or if you are being singled out for such a shot due to some form of actionable discrimination.
Bottom line, as a practical matter, you'll more than likely have to get one if you want to keep your job.
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