The Grey Bruce Health Unit is concerned about influenza outbreaks in the region.
Program Manager for Infectious Diseases Karen Sweiger says there have been 9 flu related deaths since January in the region, resulting from five long term care facility outbreaks and one hospital outbreak.
Perhaps most alarming is the low number of health care workers who have received their flu shot.
Sweiger says 50 per cent of long term care workers and 45 per cent of hospital staff in the region have been immunized – the target number is 70 per cent.
She says health care workers can still get vaccinated – or receive anti-viral medication during an outbreak.
Should unvaccinated staff opt out of taking anti-viral medication they are sent home, usually without pay, in the event of an outbreak – which places stress on remaining staff, especially in the event of an outbreak.
Sweiger says flu vaccination is not mandatory for health care staff.
Still, she adds it is the duty of health care workers or anyone who has direct contact with hospital patients or long term care residents to get their flu vaccination.
Sweiger says the Health Unit will continue the push for everyone to get vaccinated – adding it’s not too late to get your shot.
