News Release                           For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                   December 8, 2008

Flu Vaccine and Health Care Workers

Health care workers and first responders have a special duty of care to receive the annual flu shot, not just to protect themselves and their families, but also to protect those in their care.

Sixty-four percent of hospital workers in Grey Bruce hospitals got the flu shot last year. Long-term care facilities averaged 79% of staff immunized. We can do better.

Health care workers take pride in their work, but if not immunized, they risk infecting those around them. An infected person can spread the flu for a day before any symptoms show up and can be contagious even with very mild or no noticeable symptoms.

Absenteeism among workers increases when outbreaks of flu occur in health care facilities resulting in staff shortages and challenges to provide adequate care. Studies show health care workers sometimes work even if ill, out of a concern for their patients receiving adequate care or because of financial concerns, if they do not receive sick benefits.

Like everyone else, health care workers need accurate information about the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. Occupational health and safety staff and public health staff can provide this information.

Public Health reminds health care workers that flu is a serious, acute, respiratory illness that can affect anyone, including healthy adults. It can lead to serious complications, hospitalization and death. The flu vaccine reduces all respiratory illness with fever by 35% and is 70-90% effective in preventing flu in healthy adults.

Flu shots are available to healthcare workers in their facilities and at our regular immunization clinics by appointment. Call 1-800-263-3456 or 1-519-376-9420 for more information or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Amanda McManaman

Public Health Nurse

Control of Infectious Diseases Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1293