Nursing groups divided over flu shot requirement
Posted November 21, 2012 12:35 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – With a week and a half before a provincial deadline, thousands of health care workers have yet to get a flu shot. The debate has even divided nursing groups.
The provincial Association of Registered Nurses has come out in favour of the policy that requires health care workers to get a flu shot or wear a mask come December 1st.
President Susan Duncan says it’s best for patients. “We, as a professional association, have taken a stand that the flu shot is very important to protect patients, and we must support it.”
That’s in contrast to the BC Nurses’ Union, which is opposing the policy.
The union’s Margaret Dhillon is dismissive of the Association’s stance. “At this point, they are just a voluntary organization, predominantly made up of management nurses.”
As of last Friday, the Fraser Health Authority says more than half of its employees have received a flu shot. That’s a significant jump from the historical average, but still leaves thousands without one, not to mention those in other health authorities.
