Should we promote influenza vaccination of health care workers in nursing homes? Some ethical arguments in favour of immunization.
Although studies show the relation between influenza immunization of health care workers and the benefits for residents in nursing homes, compliance to vaccination is still low. In this article we explore and discuss two specific moral reasons for nursing home professionals to accept vaccination. These special reasons derive from two sources: the responsibilities they have as health professionals, and the responsibilities they have as a member of the collective.
van den Hoven
Mariëtte A
MA
Center for Bioethics and Health Law, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 2, NL-3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands. mvdhoven@theo.uu.nl
Verweij
Marcel F
MF
D000368:Aged; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000941:ethics*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009426:Netherlands; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000941:ethics*; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000941:ethics*; D012941:Social Responsibility; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce
D007252:Influenza Vaccines