Op-Ed: Unvaccinated Nurses Should Not Be Attending to Newborns

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As we navigate this ongoing pandemic, it’s become increasingly clear that some individuals prioritize personal liberties over the health and safety of our communities. After witnessing countless instances where anti-vaccine advocates find themselves in dire situations, imploring others to get vaccinated, I can’t help but wonder how many more such cases it will take for people to grasp the significance of this issue.

Recently, a labor and delivery unit in upstate New York had to suspend its services—not due to technical failures or power outages, but because a significant number of nurses resigned rather than receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This is beyond alarming. The issue isn’t just about staffing shortages; it’s about the very health of mothers and their newborns.

Lewis County, known for its conservative political leanings, unfortunately mirrors lower vaccination rates and higher COVID-19 infection rates within the state. This situation directly impacts the nurses who work in healthcare settings. It’s astonishing that these trained professionals, who should understand the importance of vaccines, have chosen to neglect their responsibility to safeguard themselves and their patients.

While it’s true that masks and proper PPE can mitigate some risk, why not utilize the scientifically-backed protection offered by vaccines? We’ve accepted vaccines for numerous diseases in the past—chickenpox, measles, polio—so why is COVID-19 any different? This is about community responsibility and humanity. It’s one thing to make a personal choice about your health; it’s another to endanger the lives of others, particularly vulnerable newborns.

If I were an expectant parent and found out that my labor and delivery nurse was unvaccinated, I would feel incredibly uneasy. As unsettling as the current staffing crisis is, perhaps it serves a purpose. We shouldn’t want healthcare professionals who refuse to protect themselves—or their patients—taking care of our most vulnerable.

Some might argue that they are following all other safety protocols. But after the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives to COVID-19 before vaccines were widely accessible, it’s clear that vaccination is crucial. While opting out of vaccination may be a personal right, it shouldn’t come at the expense of those who depend on healthcare services.

If unvaccinated nurses truly believe COVID-19 is no worse than the flu, perhaps they should consider transferring to a COVID ward to fully experience the impact of the virus. Meanwhile, for expectant parents facing disruptions to their delivery plans, focus on what you can control. Prioritize safety, engage with your healthcare provider, and prepare for the joy of welcoming your little one, despite the chaos surrounding you.

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In summary, the choice of unvaccinated nurses to care for newborns raises serious ethical concerns. While personal choice is important, the safety of vulnerable populations must come first. It’s crucial for healthcare professionals to uphold the highest standards of care to protect both themselves and their patients.