Influenza is a respiratory illness that is easily transmitted between people in the community, patients, and healthcare providers. There are between 500 and 1500 deaths in Canada per year attributed to influenza. The best way to reduce the transmission of influenza is through vaccination. At Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA), we are making strides to increase the vaccination rate for both patients and staff. Occupational Health and Safety and Infection Prevention and Control have teamed up to improve awareness and protect patients and staff.
In October, influenza vaccination clinics start for staff which will include a travelling clinic occurring during the Influenza vaccination blitz. Staff members at CKHA have the potential to carry the flu without showing symptoms. Our goal is for the majority of staff to be vaccinated, to protect our patients and healthcare workers from getting the flu.
We will also continue our vaccination for in-patients. In 2008 only 31.7% of Canadians over 12 were vaccinated. Our hospital feels a responsibility for our community, and helping our patients get vaccinated will improve the health of Chatham-Kent.
I encourage everyone to get vaccinated, seek out vaccination clinics, go to your doctor’s office, or if in hospital ask for the vaccine to ensure that we protect others, our families and ourselves from Influenza
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