Flu season has arrived – have you reported?

Flu season officially started December 1. From now through March 31, 2016, you are required to have had the flu shot or wear a mask while in patient care areas.

All VCH staff and medical staff, including all casuals, physicians, medical residents, lab and research staff, must also report online at: https://flu.vch.ca/.

New this year: all staff must report, whether they were vaccinated or are wearing a mask.

Masks are available at nursing stations, outpatient reception desks and/or the main entrances of our facilities.

Vaccine efficacy
This year, we have received numerous questions about the benefit from the influenza vaccine and whether the mask may be a more effective option. Please note, on average overall influenza vaccine effectiveness is usually about 60% (higher for healthy individuals such as health care workers). While masks can certainly be chosen by health care workers, getting the influenza vaccine is still the best way to protect yourself and others from catching the ‘flu.

More info 
For more information about the flu visit the staff flu page.