News Feature                   For Immediate Release

November 10, 2004

Hospital staff flu vaccination rate below target

More health care staff need to protect themselves and their patients

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care envisions that 100% of health care workers that are in contact with high-risk individuals receive annual influenza vaccinations.  We need a minimum of 70% to be immunized in order to achieve “group immunity” and prevent large outbreaks of disease.

Grey-Bruce retirement homes and long-term care facilities had excellent coverage rates in 2003.  Thirteen of the 14 retirement homes were well above the recommended 70% immunization goal.  Seventeen of the 20 long-term care facilities well exceeded the 70% goal.

However, Grey-Bruce hospital rates in 2003 were below the minimum mandated immunization goal.  Only 1 of 12 hospital sites had over 70% of staff immunized against the flu.

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care encourages influenza vaccination for all health care workers and personnel, including students and volunteers.  These health care personnel can easily transmit the flu virus to people at high risk of developing complications from the flu. 

Influenza is a respiratory viral infection.  Most people fully recover in 1 to 2 weeks. However, influenza can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and death for the very young, the elderly and people suffering from certain medical conditions (such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney or heart problems).

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways of preventing and reducing the risk of influenza infection and its complications.  Flu vaccinations are of particular importance in high-risk settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities and retirement homes. 

Health care workers – get the flu shot! It could save the lives of those around you.

For more information please 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:

Karen Sweiger

Program Manager, Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420 ext. 230