Thread by @WesElyMD

1/🧵 Should nurses & doctors be REQUIRED to get COVID19 #Vaccination?  @JAMA_current

Many hospitals already do this with flu vaccines (exceptions made for medical & religious reasons). Why not with #COVID? Let’s unpack…
 
bit.ly/3z8gnj3

2/ Do Healthcare Professionals (HCP) get infected with COVID?

Are HCPs at risk of infection & death due to their occupation?
 
YES & YES (+/- since PPE works if used properly)

HCP clearly become infected with SARS-CoV-2 w many experiencing severe outcomes, including deaths.

3/ Can HCPs have asymptomatic infection with #COVID?
Can HCPs spread this infection to others?
 
YES & YES
 
Asymptomatic individuals often have a HIGH quantity of virus & have been proven to cause many other infections.

4/ Is there a #Vaccine that is safe & effective?
 
YES & YES
 
“One of the true scientific triumphs of COVID19 has been development of safe & highly effective vaccines that show effectiveness across the world. The safety profile of vaccines remains excellent.

https://twitter.com/naheedd/status/1415300933332914180

5/ Does the vaccine affect VIRUS transmission?
 
YES
 
Mounting evidence suggests the vaccines are associated w ⬇️ asymptomatic infections & ~30% ↘️ transmission.

6/ Do HCPs come into contact w patients who are immune-compromised & thus rely of others to reduce their exposure?
 
YES
 
Enough said! AGAIN for emphasis, read this excellent & serious question posed by @NaheedD👇

https://twitter.com/naheedd/status/1415300933332914180

7/ Would mandating vaccines in HCPs work to prevent pathogen transmission?
 
YES
 
FLU VACCINE mandatory rules for HCPs work beautifully & arguments in #COVID are even stronger. A survey in March 2021 showed only 52% of HCPs were vaccinated!

bit.ly/36GK9iu

8/ Medical exemptions for those who can’t be vaccinated will be allowed. Approved vaccines have very few contraindications, but some develop allergic rxns to shot #1 preventing shot #2 for full immunity. Other vaccines (eg, viral vector) provide good options.

9/ Religious & personal belief exemptions are complicated. What do you think? Pope Francis is an example of one religious leader who believes getting the vaccine is an act of love toward yourself & others in society.
 
bit.ly/2Uppxc2

10/fin
In conclusion, I believe HCPs should be mandated to get #COVID vaccine barring nuanced medical/religious exemptions I discussed above. HCP should not be allowed to spread contagious measles, Flu, or COVID19 to their patients & other HCPs.
 
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