Message from the CEO: Influenza control policy

In 2012 all British Columbia health authorities implemented an enhanced influenza control policy. It requires all health care providers to wash their hands regularly, stay home when they are sick, and get a flu shot or wear a mask during flu season. Under this new policy last year, Vancouver Coastal Health achieved the highest staff influenza vaccination coverage ever. My thanks to all staff for participating in this important patient safety initiative.

Policy now includes visitors

This policy is in effect again this year to protect vulnerable patients, residents and clients from influenza. It applies to all health authority staff (union and excluded), volunteers, students, contractors, and physicians, who have contact with patients, residents and clients whether in hospital, residential care, community, public health or home care settings. This year visitors will also be asked to wear a mask if they did not get a flu shot, to further protect our vulnerable patients.

Why it’s important

Each year, across Canada there are between 2,000 and 8,000 deaths from influenza and its complications. Influenza causes by far the most deaths among vaccine-preventable diseases, outpacing all others combined. Hospitalized patients and seniors in residential care are more vulnerable to the serious complications of influenza than healthy adults. The vaccine is also less effective for frail seniors or other hospitalized patients, making it even more important that their caregivers are vaccinated. The influenza vaccine is safe and effective at preventing illness, especially when used with other infection prevention practices- such as proper hand hygiene. But this requires your initiative to get your flu shot. As leaders in “promoting wellness and ensuring care” we have a commitment to not only protect our patients but to be role models for our colleagues and families by encouraging them to get immunized, and reminding those who are unable or who choose not to be vaccinated that wearing a mask is required. We need to work together to increase our staff immunization rates this year, for ourselves and our loved ones – but most notably for our vulnerable patients who look to us to create safe health care environments.

Changes to how you get your shot

This year there will be some changes to where you can get your flu shot and how to report that you received it. You can get a free flu shot from the Peer Nurse Immunizer (PNI) on your unit (for departments participating in the PNI program) or select local pharmacies/family physicians.

We will also hold some immunization clinics at select VCH locations. We encourage you to take advantage of the PNI initiative, doctors/pharmacies or the clinics to get your shot as soon as possible. We will provide you with more detailed information soon, including instructions on how to report your immunizations online.

Flu shot or a mask

While the most effective way to prevent the transmission of influenza is to get a flu shot, if you are unable or choose not to be vaccinated you must wear a procedure mask whenever you are in a patient care area during the required vaccination period. Your participation in this important patient safety initiative protects our vulnerable patients from a potentially fatal influenza infection.

Thank you for your cooperation and for consistently delivering the highest quality health care services to our patients, clients and residents.

Dr. David Ostrow
President and CEO

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