Denied religious exemption for flu vaccine
A radiation therapist who said NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital fired her in January after denying her request last fall for a religious exemption from a mandatory flu vaccination sued the hospital in federal court on May 15.
Agnieszka Kracke said she began working at Hudson Valley Hospital in October 2019 and had previously accepted the annual vaccine. However, she said she is a Roman Catholic who holds a “sincere, bona fide religious objection” and “struggled for years with her conscience” over the inoculation.
Kracke, a Pennsylvania resident who earned more than $100,000 annually her last two years at Hudson Valley Hospital, said the hospital twice denied her an exemption, even with a letter of support from a priest. Staff granted medical or religious exemptions must wear a mask at work during flu season.
Although the hospital said she resigned, Kracke maintains she was fired, according to court documents. She is seeking a return to her job, back pay and other damages.
