AyiConnect Staff, Feb 06, 2023
As is well known, babies and young children have very delicate immune systems. Therefore, adults and caregivers who frequently have contact with the child should comply with a basic hygiene scheme and may also be required to keep up with immunizations to ensure that they are not a threat to the child's health.
Vaccines prevent people from getting certain diseases and viruses like the flu. As a caregiver to children, employers may request you to take them before your employment. It is important to keep in mind that vaccination is a personal decision and no one should feel forced to take it. We have collected a list of 5 vaccinations that are mostly requested by families for a nanny. This list does not include all vaccines, each family could have their particular vaccination requirements depending on the children’s conditions.
- Influenza
- COVID-19
- Measles
- Whooping cough
- Tdap
Sometimes, families may even request documentation that nannies have completed the standard immunizations from childhood: Chickenpox, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Meningococcal, and MMR vaccines, among others.
Due to the recent pandemic of COVID-19, it is common to see that it is a requirement to be vaccinated before you can start working as a nanny, but what happens to families that already have a nanny and a new vaccine comes out? Is it okay to ask your nanny to get vaccinated?
The most important answer to this question is: do not force your nanny to get vaccinated. But yes, you can ask them to get vaccinated. It is crucial that you present the request respectfully and clearly during the conversation. We know that for some people it is a delicate subject. However, if the nanny already complied with a vaccination scheme before being hired, it should not be a problem for them to keep up with them.
If families want to ensure that their new nannies are vaccinated and comply with any annual vaccinations and boosters, they can include this in the contract. Of course, all this must be negotiated and both parties agree.
Apart from vaccinations, there are also other precautions parents can take when caring for a child. Caregivers may be asked certain questions and requirements that parents ask to ensure that their child's health is not compromised. Some of these questions and requirements can be:
- Is the nanny experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat?
- Has the nanny been tested for COVID?
- Has the nanny had contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID or any other disease?
- Request a nanny to not come to work if they have any suspicious symptoms and provide a doctor’s note before returning to work.
- Request the nanny to wear protective gear, such as masks and gloves, especially when they are around the child.
Understand nannies also have the option to request those understandings from parents as well, such as the type of illness the child might have, and the caring policies or agreements when it comes to a sick child at home.
Whatever your preferences and opinions regarding vaccines, remember that each person has their own, so the important thing is always to act with mutual respect and understanding. If negotiation is viable, reach an agreement that is healthy and favorable for the children and both parties.
References:
https://nannyauthority.com/nannies-and-vaccinations-a-guide/
https://gtm.com/household/require-nanny-covid19-vaccination/
https://www.elitenannyagencymn.com/post/what-vaccines-should-my-nanny-get
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