Another nanny and vaccine question

[Anonymous]

Our nanny has expressed strong vaccine hesitancy. We otherwise love her, but we need a vaccinated nanny, and it seems like most nannies are going now as “child care providers” even though that category is a little squishy.

We are leaning towards giving her a deadline by which she needs to get vaccinated or tell us she won’t be (giving us time to make other arrangements). Is May 1 reasonable? Any tips on how to handle this situation? TIA.

[Anonymous]

I don't think you can give her a hard deadline for getting vaccinated, at least not one before July or August, since it's not like there are unlimited appointments available. Lots of people who are eligible can't get a vaccine.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. OP here. I guess my thinking is she is arguably eligible now (and has been for more than a month) and I’d be happy to help her get a vaccine and believe I could do so fairly easily. Do others think May 1 is too early as well? I think most Americans who want a shot will be able to get one by the end of May...

[Anonymous]

You sign her up and simply tell her it’s mandatory. Ask to see her vaccination card and, of course, give her paid time off for the shot appointments and possible side effects.

Make sure she shows you her vaccination card for both shots. Our nanny told us that she’s heard nannies admit to lying about tDAP and flu vaccinations.

[Anonymous]

I would wait until she’s actually eligible (if you’re in DC she is not - the rules are clear that it’s for child care providers in centers) and it’s reasonably easy for her to get a vaccine, then I would give her a one month deadline from that point.

Keep in mind, as more and more people are getting vaccinated with no ill effects, vaccine hesitancy in polls is going down. So if you give it a little more time, she may come around on her own, especially if she’s just hesitant, and not saying there’s no way she’d get it.

[Anonymous]

OP here - we are in MD. Rules just say “child care provider” and many families are sending their nannies (who are happy to get it). I agree I don’t want to sign her up if she’s not eligible but in this case it’s not crystal clear. I don’t want to ask her to jump the line but I don’t think I am?

If I do say May 1 is the deadline, should I wait two more weeks to tell her? That gives her two more weeks to see more people get it and be fine.

[Anonymous]

Also, it feels awful to ask to see her card. Basically saying we trust you with our kid but think you might be lying about this. I am not sure I can do it without damaging our relationship/trust. Thoughts about that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also, it feels awful to ask to see her card. Basically saying we trust you with our kid but think you might be lying about this. I am not sure I can do it without damaging our relationship/trust. Thoughts about that?

Are you ok with potentially bringing fatal virus into your home? No? Then ask her to see the card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - we are in MD. Rules just say “child care provider” and many families are sending their nannies (who are happy to get it). I agree I don’t want to sign her up if she’s not eligible but in this case it’s not crystal clear. I don’t want to ask her to jump the line but I don’t think I am?

If I do say May 1 is the deadline, should I wait two more weeks to tell her? That gives her two more weeks to see more people get it and be fine.

Only licensed daycare providers, not nannies. The reason childcare/daycare providers were included is because we are licensed under Maryland state Department of Education and Solomon lobbied for teachers and daycare to be moved up in the priority groups. Today the state sent out a vaccine for licensed daycare providers with the emphasis on licensed. I do not believe she’s eligible and people who have been squeaking in under “childcare” are doing so in a gray area. And shots are very hard to find. I have been working hard to make sure licensed daycare workers are vaccinated and many are still waiting for appointments.

All that said, if vaccination is a requirement of your employment then she needs to get a shot or find different employment but your dead line might be unrealistic.

[Anonymous]

She's fearful of lasting side effects. How long will you cover her sick leave?

[Anonymous]

Did you make other vaccination mandatory like flu and tdap booster etc? Not starting a fight but asking. May 1 is a fine deadline. In MD its very doable to get a cvs or wallfreens appoibtment right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did you make other vaccination mandatory like flu and tdap booster etc? Not starting a fight but asking. May 1 is a fine deadline. In MD its very doable to get a cvs or wallfreens appoibtment right now.

Yes, flu and Tdap were required. I believe she has had Tdap in the last 10 years. Mostly believe she got the flu shot but not 100% sure. Did not ask to see proof. But yes, there’s some precedent with us.

If we don’t force the issue I don’t think she’ll ever get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She's fearful of lasting side effects. How long will you cover her sick leave?

We’ve offered up to six weeks of paid covid leave - so I think we would cover her generously and no one has had side effects for more than a few days.

[Anonymous]

I am pro vaccine but I do not think it is appropriate to require a vaccination that is authorized only under emergency use. There’s a reason employers and colleges are not requiring it yet.

[Anonymous]

Hmmm my hospital employer mandates the flu vaccine yearly but they have not mandated the Covid vaccine.