The Provincial Government is asking residents to help stop the spread of influenza in BC’s Hospitals.
To protect vulnerable patients in health care facilities all over the province, the Ministry of Health is asking those visiting hospitals and clinics to get vaccinated before coming in.
“If you know you’re going to be visiting somebody in a long term care home for example, go and get your flu shot” said Deputy Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. “That’s the best way to protect yourself and to protect them.”
According to the ministry, 3,500 Canadians die from Influenza and its complications every year.
All health authority employees are already required to get the flu shot. The vaccine is free to anyone intending to visit a health care facility.
“When you go visiting elderly relatives around the holidays, you don’t want to pass influenza on to them” said Henry.
Visitors who haven’t been vaccinated will be asked to wear a face mask and use hand sanitizer to protect vulnerable patients.