Nurse: 'I was fired for refusing flu shot'

Ypsilanti, Mich. (WXYZ) - A nurse for St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ypsilanti says she refuses to get a flu vaccination and she believes the decision led to her getting fired.

Karen Bashista says she was given a pink slip after she declined to get the vaccinations. Bashista says, "I was first told to get a letter from my minister and I'd be okay. Then my manager called me and told me they are not accepting my letter."

The hospital says it's making exceptions for people who have health or religious reasons, but those are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Employees have until Monday to comply with the new rule.

This year all St. Joseph Mercy Hospital workers and volunteers are required to get the flu and whooping cough vaccines.

According to the hospital 95% of all workers agreed to get the vaccinations. They say it is the first step in keeping patients and other workers safe. The hospital is located in Washtenaw County where whooping cough is a major concern.