News Feature              For Immediate Release

January 16, 2006

Health Care Workers Miss Mark for Flu Vaccinations

More local health care providers need to protect themselves, their families and their patients by getting the flu vaccination. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care target 100% of health care workers to participate in annual influenza vaccination. A minimum coverage rate of 70% is required in any given facility to achieve “group immunity” and greatly reduce the risk of large outbreaks of disease.

Retirement Homes and Long-Term Care facilities in Grey-Bruce generally have excellent staff vaccine coverage. Averages this year are 87% for Retirement Homes and 83% for Nursing Homes and Homes for the Aged.

Locally the Hanover District Hospital achieved an 85% coverage rate this year, surpassing last year’s 81%! Only two other hospitals achieved group immunity status with staff immunization levels in Kincardine at 71% and Southampton at 72%. Durham was close at 69%. The overall average for Grey-Bruce hospital staff was a disappointing 59%. Many factors influence immunization uptake and it is clear some new strategies are needed to achieve higher rates.

Most people will recover from a bout of flu in a week or two but influenza can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and even death in high-risk persons. High-risk groups include very young, the frail elderly and those with an immune system weakened by chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart, lung and kidney disease.

We have yet to see our first laboratory confirmed case in Grey-Bruce but the influenza season is imminent. Influenza tends to get its start in the community in young children and moves from there into families, schools, and then residential settings. There is still time to get the free flu shot. It will take about two weeks to take effect. Protect yourself, your loved ones and those in your care. Get a flu shot if you have not yet, practice good hand washing and stay home if you are sick. We can all make a difference in keeping our communities healthy.

For more information call Public health at 376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit us on the web at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Debby Minielly

Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit

1-800-263-3456

(519) 376-9420, ext. 257