Visitors to Vancouver hospitals asked to get flu shot
Credit to Author: Tiffany Crawford| Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2019 17:59:41 +0000
Health officials are asking anyone planning to visit patients at Vancouver hospitals to have a flu vaccine or wear a mask.
In a statement Tuesday, Vancouver Coastal health Authority says the flu causes the most deaths among vaccine-preventable disease, especially among hospitalized patients and seniors.
VCH’s medical health officer Dr. Meena Dawar says the flu can be devastating for patients because many have chronic health problems including weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to serious illness,.
Flu shots for visitors are free and can be obtained at family doctor clinics, walk-in clinics or pharmacies.
The ImmunizeBC website lists all clinics across B.C. at immunizebc.ca.
People who have not had a flu shot can obtain a surgical mask at a nursing station or outpatient reception desk at any VCH hospital.
ticrawford@postmedia.com