Hundreds make their voices heard at the Capitol Tuesday, protesting a state mandate requiring health care workers who come in contact with patients to get flu and H1N1 vaccines. Steve Ference reports.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Several hundred state health care workers were outside the Capitol Tuesday, taking a shot at New York's new regulation requiring them to get both the flu and H1N1 vaccines - or lose their jobs.

"What brings me here is the fact that I'm about to lose my job as a 20-year RN," said Registered Nurse John Breslin.

Nurses like Breslin are arguing that they should have a choice.

"I believe that if you want to drink hemlock, you should drink hemlock. And you should have a choice on what to do with your body," said Breslin.

"We no longer have that freedom of choice to keep our jobs," said Registered Nurse Debi Gerhardt.

Others are nervous about the H1N1 vaccine that's being fast-tracked for distribution. They're concerned about chemicals some shots may contain.

"The mercury and everything," said one woman at Tuesday's rally.

Gary Null, Ph.D. said, "Do we know that it is a neuro-toxin? Yes."

Even if those concerns turn out to be unjustified, many at the rally said they should never be forced to decide between a shot or being fired by their workplace that could face fines for not complying with a regulation only put in place in New York.

"They want me to either be their guinea pig or they want me in their unemployment lines as a statistic," said Marge Hunt, a hospital collections representative.

New York's top doctor, Health Commissioner Dr. Richard Daines, says the vaccine is safe and that, bottom line, this is about the safety of the patients.

He said, "This H1N1 vaccine was developed, produced and licensed by the FDA, just as they do the ordinary seasonal influenza."

Dr. Daines spoke to reporters as protesters rallied outside the Health Department. He said these vaccines pose no extra risk. The regular shot is available now, and the H1N1 version will be out in about a week. He said health care workers will come around.

"No one likes to be told what to do," said Dr. Daines. "We have to persuade and lead by example."

But these health care workers hope state leaders hear their arguments and see the light as some get ready to be fired.

"I'm looking for a job right now," said Breslin.