Vancouver Coastal Health is asking all residents who visit VCH hospitals, residential care homes, community health care centres and other health facilities in its region, which includes the Powell River area, to wear a mask if they have not had a flu shot this year.
"The flu can be devastating for our patients because many have chronic health problems including weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to serious illness," said VCH medical health officer Meena Dawar in a media release on Friday, December 7. "The best way to protect your loved ones in hospital is to get a flu shot, even if you're normally a healthy individual. The shot will not only protect you from getting the flu, but also the people around you."
Surgical masks are available nursing stations or outpatient reception desks. If not immunized, staff and volunteers are also required to wear masks.
The policy is in place until the end of flu season, which is usually at the end of March, according the VCH. It is part of the province's strategy to prevent the spread of flu and protect vulnerable patients from a potentially fatal infection.
Flu shots are free from family doctors, at walk-in clinics or pharmacies. A list of clinics is available at immunizebc.ca.
