As of December 1st if you plan on visiting a hospital or care home you will need to have had a flu shot or be prepared to wear a mask while visiting.
For the second year in BC, visitors will be required to be vaccinated when visiting these types of facilities as a way to help protect patients and seniors who are most at risk of complications from the flu.
“Anyone who enters a hospital, long-term care facility or any other health-care facility will be expected to wear a mask if they haven't been vaccinated against influenza,” states a release form the Ministry of Health. “Masks will be available, free of charge, for those who have not been vaccinated.”
If you plan to visit someone in one of these facilities, or need to take family members to outpatient appointments, you are eligible for a free flu shot. Flu shots are available at pharmacies, doctor's offices, and public health clinics and visitors will be asked to comply with this policy on the honour system.
Flu shots are also offered for free in B.C. to a number of individuals, including children, seniors, pregnant women, Aboriginal people, individuals with chronic health conditions, and those who work or come in close contact with higher-risk groups.
According to the Ministry, about 3,500 Canadians die each year from influenza or its complications.
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