Carrying picket signs in Hauppauge, the group numbering about 60 quietly talked among themselves as passing drivers honked in support. Protesters, who were from a number of medical facilities held a similar rally Friday in Mineola.
Certain health care personnel -- those in hospitals and a few other venues -- must undergo vaccination for seasonal and swine flu or risk losing their jobs.
Demonstrators insisted the swine flu vaccine is unsafe -- a charge vigorously denied by health officials who point to a roster of successful clinical trials. Officials also emphasize the vaccine is produced by the same manufacturers responsible for the seasonal flu inoculation taken by 100 million people annually.
Many protesters said they’re angry over what they feel is a violation of their civil rights -- and a loss of the right to choose. The Constitution Party distributed pamphlets at the rally urging smaller government.
“I am not opposed to immunization, I am opposed to mandating both of them [seasonal and swine flu vaccinations],” said registered nurse Vickie Thompson who works at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in East Patchogue. Thompson said she’s willing to lose her job.
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