NYSUT has joined other unions and advocacy groups in a campaign to stop mandatory vaccination of health care workers.

In a letter initiated by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health, the organizations request withdrawal of the emergency regulation making influenza vaccination a mandatory condition of employment for health care workers.

The letter to state Health Commissioner Richard Daines lists the "serious flaws that warrant its withdrawal" and offers alternatives to mandatory inoculation, including comprehensive influenza infection control programs. This would involve providing personal protective equipment for all of those in contact with the sick, as well as isolation of contagious patients who are in emergency rooms and school nurses' offices.

"We're not coming out against the vaccine," said NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue, whose office oversees health issues for the union. "Our issue lies with the mandatory application of the vaccine."

Other unions signing the letter include United University Professions, the Public Employees Federation, Communications Workers of America, Civil Service Employees Association, University Clerical and Technical Support at New York University, and Doctors Council SEIU. The NIOSH Pandemic Flu Task Force represents thousands of health care providers across the state.

Making the vaccination mandatory for keeping one's job "does not allow for a cultural or philosophical objection to vaccination, essentially taking away the freedom of self determination to accept an invasive procedure," the letter reads. Some employees may get adverse reactions after receiving the vaccine.

Part of a comprehensive plan to stem the spread of the virus must also include abolishing punitive sick-leave policies that encourage sick employees to come to work rather than stay home, the letter says.

"It is crucial to remember the nature of the influenza vaccine, and why the mandatory focus as the primary means to control the spread of the virus is wrong," the letter states.

"Effectiveness of vaccines not closely matched to circulating viruses is between 30 percent and 0 percent. Even when well matched, the vaccination does not prevent individuals from contracting the virus; but if they do, it will be less severe.

"When these mildly ill health care providers come to work, they will be shedding the virus and infecting patients if they don't use appropriate infection control equipment and procedures," the letter says.

To that end, NYSUT will respond individually to Daines and to state Education Commissioner David Steiner on procedure and protocol to prevent spreading influenza-related illness.

"We believe N95 respirators should be available for anyone responsible for high-risk people," said NYSUT's Donahue. "What about the teacher's aide who is monitoring the sick children waiting to be picked up by their parents?

What about the custodians cleaning in areas where students are quarantined? Or the bus drivers driving kids who are sick?"

Wendy Hord, NYSUT health and safety specialist, outlined workers rights to members of NYSUT's Health Care Professionals Council, led by Anne Goldman, special nursing representative to the UFT.

Hord said state workers are protected by Public Employee Safety and Health, and non-state workers fall under the protection of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Both entities say the N95 should be used for those working with patients with influenza-like illness. The law requires the masks to be individually fit-tested, a procedure that takes about 15 to 20 minutes and should be done annually.