Hospital demanding flu and Dtap shot for visitors?

AlwaysForgetful · September 2014

This was on another FB group I am apart of. Someone said her hospital is requiring visitors to bring a shot record to prove they have had the flu and Dtap shot in order to be on the maternity floor. Has anyone else heard of this? Another said that during RSV season, they do not allow children under the age of 11 or 14 on the floor. Even siblings. We are not talking about NICU either.

Edited in: This is something that person's hospital is implementing this year due to the increase of nasty bugs going around.

[Deleted User] · September 2014

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kimba1976 · September 2014

I gave birth in early March 2013 and at the time the hospital (it was in Miami) did not allow any visitors, including siblings, under the age of 12. It didn't bother me at the time because I didn't have any children visiting, but this time around we'd really like to have DD come to the hospital to meet her new brother/sister, especially while the photographer will be there. I think in many hospitals this is standard policy during flu season.

AlwaysForgetful · September 2014

I believe it was in Utah. No clue about which hospital. Others mentioned that this year (all the ladies also had a 2013 baby) their OB/hospital warned them about age restrictions for visitors.

Part of it is in response to that flu that is going around this year, the one on the news. I guess it is in efforts to keep newborns from getting it their first few days.

I live in Michigan, but I doubt ours will have anything like that. We are a prison town. Need I say more? Not that we do not have some nice areas (also on the lake shore), but I doubt that would go over well. I mean, my hospital puts monitoring bracelets on the babies, but you can go off the floor with them and there is no alarm. So it is for looks... Kinda sad that I found that out. That;s what happens when you know a few of the nurses personally.

BabyRN2009 · September 2014

The RSV restriction is normal...no kids under 12 allowed except for siblings, and all siblings get a quick health screening at the door (no fever, cough, etc?). You wouldn't believe how many people think it's perfectly fine to bring hacking children onto a floor with new babies.

I haven't heard about having to prove Flu or Tdap immunization...

AlwaysForgetful · September 2014

I actually wish my hospital would... then I wouldn't have to see Auntie till I got home. Hahaha....

[Deleted User] · September 2014

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AlwaysForgetful · September 2014

BabyRN2009 said:

You wouldn't believe how many people think it's perfectly fine to bring hacking children onto a floor with new babies.

Oh, I would actually. Sadly I would. Kinda like you would think adults would know better too.... Or maybe that playing pass the newborn at a family gathering was a bad idea.. Yet they see no issue with everyone touching the baby... *sighs* I am going to be a VERY unpopular person this year.

ColeyCannoli · September 2014

I know the RSV thing is pretty standard as others said. The shot records seems a little over-the-top but they may have had an outbreak or something that makes them extra cautious. I kinda wish mine had this policy so I could use it to be sure my family and friends have their shots done (we had a terrible whooping cough outbreak near here this year). I'd rather the hospital be overly restrictive than allow hacking children and clearly sick people around babies and workers. Germs like to travel so just because no one is going directly into the NICU like that, a nurse or mom might be headed that way carrying something they just got from a less than careful visitor. I know everyone is super excited about babies but there will be plenty of time to see them later.

Shortstack06 · September 2014

I believe Seattle had a really bad whopping cough break out last year so I would completely understand their concern and restrictions, however inconvenient they may be.

Mikesfan · September 2014

When my sister had her baby a few years ago, it was in Jan. and there was no visitors under 16, even siblings, due to the swine flu I believe. I have heard of it. The same hospital does not currently have this policy but I think during outbreaks the do implement it.

klmurner · September 2014

My OBs office had warning signs at my last appointment that our hospital is allowing no one under 18 to visit, and immediate family and support person only. They attribute it to the respiratory crud that's been going around... And I don't expect it to change with flu season coming up. I am bummed at the imposed lack of visitors, but I know it's all for the best so I won't complain.

weezy29 · September 2014

While I absolutely understand this, I hope my hospital doesn't implement the no kids under 12 rule. I want my kids to meet their baby brother on the day he is born. Of course, I would never allow them up if they were sick and sadly, that is not common sense for many.

VyD81 · September 2014

I'm in MI too, and not sure if the hospital where I will be delivering will implement the flu shot and Tdap. I hope they will. I'm not planning to take LO out during the winter, and no visitors are allowed unless they already took the flu shot and Tdap. I don't care if I offend anyone, as LO health is more important to me than seeing visitors.

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