37 steps to a healthier winter
When VCH staff member Laura Kohli needed to get her flu shot, she only needed to walk 37 steps from her office.
Laura works at 520 West 6th Avenue. Thanks to RN Helen Taylor and her fellow peer immunizers Lindsay Bendickson, Jennifer Auxier, and Lee Finch, Laura was able to get a flu shot at her facility.
“Having the clinic in the building made it convenient to get up from my desk and go directly to get my flu shot, ” said Laura. “I’m a big needle-phobe but the peer immunizers were great, and took the fear out of getting the shot. It’s also good to know that I have protection against the flu this winter.”
Helen said, “The flu shot is not just for yourself. It’s for the public, your family and your friends, and to create herd immunity.”
Who are peer immunizers?
Peer immunizers are staff who offer other staff their flu shots, usually on their unit. This year, VCH has over 200 peer immunizers.
“Being a peer immunizer is a nice opportunity to meet the other staff.” said Helen. “You get to sit down with them, and have a chat.”
What are my options for getting the flu shot?
As of December 1, 2017, until March 31, 2018, under the
Influenza Prevention Policy, VCH staff, including all casuals and excluded staff; physicians, volunteers and contractors are required to have had the flu shot or wear a mask while in patient care areas and facilities. Staff can get the flu shot:
- With a peer immunizer. Ask your manager if there is a peer immunizer in your unit or building.
- At staff flu clinics
- At a walk-in clinic, pharmacy or doctor’s office
Don’t forget to report!
New this year, all VCH staff must report online, whether you receive a flu shot or decide to wear a mask.
Report your flu shotPhysicians (including physicians, dentists, midwives, psychologists, podiatrists, and denturists and nurse practitioners and fellows) report at medicalstaffhealth.vch.ca.
Prizes
Everyone who reports online by December 1, whether you choose to vaccinate or mask, will be entered to win a multitude of prizes including a Fitbit Blaze Smart Watch and $20 coffee cards.
Yolanda Gayton
OK then. Done! I’ve got my flu shot reported it and ready to win a prize. I’ve never missed a year since it’s been offered at VGH and I’ve never been “ill” from receiving it. It’s a genuine public service and I believe has kept me from serious flu stuff all these years.