AM: KMC Workers Balk At Shots

Kootenai Health recruiter Brittany Stockstill decided to wear a mask instead of getting a flu shot while working in the business services department at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene. Six percent of hospital staff chose a mask over the vaccination. (SR photo: Kathy Plonka)

Hospitals, clinics and nursing homes increasingly are requiring their employees to get a flu shot, but some health care workers are refusing, putting their jobs on the line. A Newman Lake woman said she felt she had no choice but to resign from Kootenai Behavioral Health because she would not comply with a new policy directing employees to get vaccinated for influenza or wear a mask at work during flu season. Sarah Peterson, a mental health specialist, resigned Dec. 7 after more than 17 years at Kootenai Behavioral Health, which is part of Kootenai Health. “They have every right to make it mandatory, and I have every right to stay or quit,” said Peterson, adding she didn’t want to be fired/ Scott Maben , SR. More here.

AM Headlines:

• Idaho Records /Sherry Adkins, SR
• First flu-related death of season in Spokane /SR
• Medical Lake man charged with vandalizing church /SR

Question: Do you sympathize with the Kootenai Health workers who are balking at getting a flu shot?