Asking Nanny to get vaxed?

NicoleWI

We will be trying to hire a new nanny to help out for a short time before I go on leave, while I am leave, and possibly after, depending on what we decide about work. Wisconsin has the highest rate of whooping cough right now and they are really promoting vaccinations for anyone in contact with newborns. I want nanny to ideally have the flu shot and pertussis booster. How can/should I address this? Obviously I can't make someone get shots, but since I have the option to bring it up during the hiring process, I could just not hire someone not willing to get the shot. Then do I pay for it?? Ask for some kind of proof? Any ideas on how to handle this? Thanks!  

aglenn

I don't have a nanny, but our center requires all employees to be up to date on the pertussis booster.  It's a big problem in my state as well.  For a nanny, I would ask in the interview if they'd be willing to get a booster shot if you cover the cost.  They give them at drug stores around here now, so it wouldn't be a big deal for the nanny to get one.  Just have the nanny bring a receipt to get reimbursed.

laurakaz13

I would require all vaccinations as part of my contract and would let them know up front in interviews.  I would also require a copy of their vax record.  No one is allowed to step foot in DD's DC center with any vaccinations even a day late.  I would require the same of a nanny. 

I would not pay.  I just wouldn't hire someone irresponsible and ignorant enough not to get vaccinated.  I would immediately question their judgement and intelligence. 

kirac

We required both and paid for them.  If they were not willing to get the shot, we would not hire them.

emberlee3

My nanny is getting a flu shot and I will reimburse her.  I forgot to address it at the interview, but we brought it up last week and she was cool with it.  Her previous employer did the same thing.

laurakaz13

wife07mom09:

this is a little harsh. There is no way that 100% of the kids or employees get the flu shot and tdap. no way.

If you're referring to my comment, then YES, there is.  Our center does not allow ANY shots to be delayed at all.  Not one.  I love my center for this reason.  The sole reason a child can be exempt is if they have severe allergies to said vaccine, however they need proof of a doctor's note for even that. 

I get extremely fired up about vaccines, b/c I work in healthcare and see people die from diseases, like Pertussis for example, that could have been prevented. 

stdldb29

I guess you could-since it is a nanny and you made it known up front.

If my school required me to get a flu shot, I would be livid and would not do it. I've never had the flu shot and don't plan on getting it.

gimmietimmies

laurakaz13:

wife07mom09:

this is a little harsh. There is no way that 100% of the kids or employees get the flu shot and tdap. no way.

If you're referring to my comment, then YES, there is.  Our center does not allow ANY shots to be delayed at all.  Not one.  I love my center for this reason.  The sole reason a child can be exempt is if they have severe allergies to said vaccine, however they need proof of a doctor's note for even that. 

I get extremely fired up about vaccines, b/c I work in healthcare and see people die from diseases, like Pertussis for example, that could have been prevented. 

It's mandatory at licensed facilities here for staff and children, it's a government regulation. You have to provide proof of immunization before starting, and keep it updated. There are very few exemptions, and if it's medical, you also need proof. 

Op - I would have the up to date immunizations as a condition of employment, and I would reimburse the nanny if they needing updating and they weren't covered.  

Laurakaz, ITA. Ds doesn't look sick, but when the people around him, and the public get vaccinated, it saves him another PICU visit. Immune compromised individuals don't come with blazing neon signs, right! 

BelleWithABlade

I asked in the interview process and it was a requirement for me.  

Fianschneid

laurakaz13:

wife07mom09:

this is a little harsh. There is no way that 100% of the kids or employees get the flu shot and tdap. no way.

If you're referring to my comment, then YES, there is.  Our center does not allow ANY shots to be delayed at all.  Not one.  I love my center for this reason.  The sole reason a child can be exempt is if they have severe allergies to said vaccine, however they need proof of a doctor's note for even that. 

I get extremely fired up about vaccines, b/c I work in healthcare and see people die from diseases, like Pertussis for example, that could have been prevented. 

Same here. I have to provide records for my daughter within two weeks of each of her milestone pedi appointments. All caretakers are required to have them, too. I wouldn't send DD to a center that was putting her health at risk.

CrazyToast

kirac:

We required both and paid for them.  If they were not willing to get the shot, we would not hire them.

I would feel the same way if I were hiring a nanny.

salt78

I would make it a stipulation of the employment. Everyone has to be up to date with their vaccines at DD's daycare, so I don't see why this should be any different.