Together, we can fight the flu: Health Minister
Health Minister Terry Lake received his flu shot at Vancouver General Hospital on November 7, 2013 as part of a public influenza immunization awareness campaign.
“Each year, one out of five British Columbians will get sick from the flu. We all can take simple steps to protect ourselves, and others from getting the flu including washing your hands, staying home if you feel sick, coughing into your sleeve and, of course, getting vaccinated. Together, we can fight the flu this season,” said Minister Lake in a news release.
For health care staff
All health authorities have implemented an influenza control policy that mandates health-care workers to be vaccinated or wear a mask during flu season, which typically runs from December to April. At Vancouver Coastal Health staff can receive a flu shot from a Peer Nurse Immunizer (PNI), at a pharmacy or family doctor’s office, or at a staff flu clinic (select sites only).
- Check the flu immunization locator for a location near you.
- Self-report your flu immunization using the new web based form: influenzareporting.phsa.ca/ – accessible from any computer at home or work.
For the public
Clinics are now open throughout the province, and British Columbians can get immunized at a wide variety of locations – from dedicated flu clinics, to their doctor’s offices or local pharmacists. Flu shot clinics can be found at: www.immunizebc.ca/clinics/flu or by calling HealthLink BC at 811. To find out who is eligible for free flu shots click here.
What’s a Peer Nurse Immunizer?
Meet Fiona Francis, a Peer Nurse Immunizer (PNI) at Richmond Hospital. This is Fiona’s second year as a PNI and she says she sees the value in it.
Fiona Francis, Peer Nurse Immunizer (PNI) at the Richmond Hospital.
“I do it because I can see the need to make the flu shot as accessible as we can to staff,” says Fiona. “Some staff want to get their shot at the end of their last shift before a day off and having a PNI available makes that possible.”
VGH Peer Nurse Immunizers were on hand at the event. See below to learn more. L-R: Allyson Hankins (BPTU), Jennifer Kelly (Cardiac Sciences), Suzanne McIsaac (PACU) and Laurie McLauchlin (BPTU)
For information about the Peer Nurse Immunizer (PNI) role and program visit VCH Connect.