Allison LaBarbera, a five-month pregnant ultrasound technician, claims NYU Winthrop Hospital, a 591-bed facility in Mineola, N.Y., fired her after she refused to receive a flu shot, CBS New York reports.
Ms. LaBarbera told a New York radio station she opted not to obtain a flu shot after meeting with two physicians who reportedly told her not to receive the vaccine. She said she also applied for a medical and religious exemption request at the hospital and had the document signed by her midwife.
"The two notes that I [provided to NYU Winthrop officials] said there wasn't sufficient research [the flu vaccine has] zero side effects on pregnant women, which is true," Ms. LaBarbera said. "It basically says that on the box and the CDC website: pregnant women should consult their health care practitioners. I did."
In a statement to CBS New York, NYU Winthrop Hospital said the facility's flu vaccination policy is mandatory. While every employee was given the opportunity to apply for an exemption, Ms. LaBarbera "initially provided inadequate documentation … [and] was told not to return to work unless she provided additional documentation from a doctor. She chose not to," the report states.
The statement continued: "NYU Winthrop Hospital believes that, as healthcare workers, every one of our employees has a moral obligation to protect the health and safety of our patients and our fellow employees. Mandatory flu vaccination is a commitment to that responsibility. … Based on clear national clinical standards, pregnancy alone was not deemed a valid basis for an exemption."
To read NYU Winthrop Hospital's full statement, click here.