DAVIDSON—It wasn’t the fifth of May, but staff at Davidson Health Centre enjoyed a Cinco de Mayo like celebration last Tuesday to launch this season’s influenza vaccination campaign.
Staff at the health centre were treated to a Mexican-themed fiesta by Heartland Health Region as a reward for having the highest rate of staff immunization in the region last season.
As part of their treat, staff enjoyed a supper of Mexican cuisine with Heartland Health CEO Greg Cummings, board member ML Whittles and Dr. David Torr, medical health officer for Heartland Health, to name a few, attend the feast and launch the region’s flu shot campaign.
With 98 per cent of staff receiving their flu shot last year, Davidson Health Centre’s record is close to perfect.
“We’d like to see 100 per cent of people immunized,” Dr. Torr said.
He says immunization is people’s best defence against influenza.
“Influenza is one disease where at least we have a vaccine available and vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself,” Torr said.
“What we’re looking at is patient safety. For years we encouraged patients and staff to get flu vaccinations.”
He said this had success, but it reached a plateau.
Now the health region asks staff to get immunized to improve patient safety—to prevent patient illness and deaths.
Staff who are unable to get the flu shot or those who refuse to must wear protective respiratory masks in patient care areas. All health facilities in the province must follow an immunize-or-mask policy this flu season. Visitors who do not get immunized may also be asked to follow the mask-up policy.