Dreonna Breton’s contract at Horizons Healthcare was terminated in December 2013, after she did not comply with the company mandate stating that all staff at the Pennsylvania hospital should have the influenza vaccine.
The 29-year-old has already suffered two miscarriages, and was worried the jab may affect her current pregnancy.
Breton, who also has a toddler son, said:
‘I want to give this baby the best shot that I can.
‘There are just things in the flu vaccine that are not known, like how it affects my growing baby.’
Despite writing a letter to her employers requesting to be exempt from the annual practice, with her doctor telling the company her health would be damaged by the flu shot because of the anxiety it would cause, Breton lost her job.
Speaking about the decision, company spokesman Alan Peterson says it's unacceptable for a health care worker not to be immunized, and pregnant women are more susceptible to the flu.
However Breton stands by her decision, explaining:
‘I do believe I did the right thing, and the right outcome will happen.’
Do you think the nurse was treated unfairly, or do you agree that a public health worker should be immunized? Comment below to get involved in the debate.