October 2022
To: Staff at Menno Place
Re: Influenza Vaccination
As we enter the Influenza season, we are reminded that health care workers are at risk of exposure to infectious diseases while at work. However, many diseases can be prevented with immunization, including influenza. Prevention of influenza among our staff decreases sick-time, short shifts and extended work hours when we are short-staffed.
The flu shot will be available at local pharmacies mid-October at local pharmacies and drugstores (Click here for more information and locations). Each year, we ask you to report your flu immunization through our online self-reporting system in order to comply with the Provincial Influenza Prevention Policy. Once again, we are operating under the Influenza Control Program Policy. This requires that all staff working in resident spaces report their decision to be vaccinated or their understanding about wearing a mask in resident spaces before December 30, 2022.
Historically, influenza causes the most deaths among vaccine-preventable diseases. Prior to COVID, it outpaced all others combined. Each year in Canada, approximately 3,500 people die from the flu and its complications. Seniors in long-term care are move vulnerable than health adults and are at risk of death from the flu.
The Influenza vaccination (flu shot) is an additional layer of protection from illness and its spread within our care home setting. We are all aware how difficult it is to have a contagious illness infect our residents, causing lock-down, additional PPE, social isolation and the prevention of visitors. We encourage you to add every layer of protection so that we do can prevent flu outbreaks in addition to the COVID scenarios. Thank you for doing your part this year and for the vigilance you have practiced over these years of COVID infections. In the event of a flu outbreak, staff working in the outbreak area will be required to have the flu shot or take Tamiflu in order to work.
We are asking that all of our staff ensure that they have completed their influenza self-reporting. Please complete the online influenza self-reporting tool here – CLICK HERE
If you choose not to get the Influenza vaccination, please report your decision: CLICK HERE
Thank you for doing your part in preventing the spread of influenza among the vulnerable population of residents that call Menno Place their home.
Kim Scott,
Infection Control and Prevention Lead
