The flu season is officially over, and as such the Health Care Worker Influenza Protection Policy is no longer in effect as of midnight Friday, March 31.

Influenza activity has declined in B.C., and the Provincial Health Officer has announced the end of the flu policy application period. This means that staff, physicians and volunteers who have not received the influenza vaccine are no longer expected to wear masks in patient care areas.

Policy compliance rates

15,353 VCH staff (82 per cent) reported that they were immunized or wore a mask for the 2016/2017 flu season. This includes 78 per cent who were immunized, while the remaining wore a mask. As for medical staff, 91 per cent reported that they were immunized or wore a mask. This includes 87 per cent who were immunized, while the remaining wore a mask.

Thank you for doing your part

Thank you to all of you who participated in this important patient safety initiative, and a special thank you to our 240 Peer Immunizers across VCH for providing a convenient opportunity for 3,350 staff to be immunized at work.

Our annual flu campaign would not be possible without your continued participation, initiative and support.

The policy & reporting apply to everyone

Just a reminder, the Health Care Worker Influenza Protection Policy, and self-reporting, applies to all VCH staff, including all casuals and excluded staff; physicians, volunteers and contractors.

Viruses are ever-present

Although we’re past the peak of influenza activity, influenza and other respiratory viruses are still present in our communities at this time. Consider the other important ways you can protect yourself and your patients, including proper hand hygiene, proper sneezing and coughing etiquette, and staying home when ill. The Staff Influenza Outbreak Policy continues to apply at facilities experiencing outbreaks.

Again, thank you for your ongoing commitment to protecting our patients from the flu.