Dear CRONA nurses,

CRONA previously met with the Hospital to discuss its flu shot policy. It appears that there has been some confusion based on the Hospital’s recent communications about the H1N1 vaccine. CRONA has raised this issue with the Hospital and the Hospital has agreed that the same policies apply to both the regular and H1N1 flu vaccines. Thus, the Hospital has agreed and clarified that while it encourages CRONA nurses to receive the vaccine, nurses will have the option of declining it. Nurses who decline must, however, complete a declination form. At this time, no nurse who does not wish to be vaccinated will be required to do so, and the Hospital will not use declination of either vaccine as a reason to place an employee on administrative leave without pay.

Please be aware however, that if state or federal requirements about either vaccine change, the Hospital may change its policies. In that event, CRONA will meet with the Hospital to ensure that whatever policy is implemented furthers public health goals but also respects the rights of our members.

We wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Lorie Johnson and the CRONA Executive Board