Masks or flu shots needed for anyone visiting VCH facilities

By

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Vancouver Coastal Health says if you are going to visit a hospital or any other health facility you are asked to wear a surgical mask if you haven’t had your flu shot.

The policy is part of the province’s strategy to prevent the spread of flu and protect already vulnerable patients from a potentially fatal infection.

“The flu can be devastating for our patients because many have weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to serious illness,” says VCH’s Medical Health Officer Dr. Meena Dawar. “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.”

She says seniors, children, pregnant women and people with pre-existing conditions are the most at risk of developing serious complications from the flu.

“The purpose of this policy is to, of course, is to reduce the risk of influenza transmission to patients of our facilities. That is because our patients are at the highest risk of getting complications from influenza. So we want to protect them from catching the flu while they are receiving care in our facilities.”

You can get a surgical mask at a nursing station or at a reception desk.

The policy will stay in place until March 2017.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today