Standards and Best Practices
Infectious Diseases
Influenza
Flu season will soon be upon us. Every year between 4,000 and 8,000 Canadians die from influenza-related complications. CNA participates in the Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Promotion and is encouraging nurses to get the flu vaccine this fall.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that all health-care workers – those who provide direct patient care, as well as those who provide health services in an indirect fashion, such as through administrative activities in a setting where patient care is conducted – have annual influenza vaccination.
Nurses can be leaders in their workplaces. One of the best approaches to ensuring that health-care providers get vaccinated is to provide workplace immunization clinics. The Public Health Agency of Canada suggests that organizing a successful clinic involves the following steps:
- Review the facts with senior managers, employees and unions.
- Assign someone, or a small group, to organize the clinic.
- Promote the clinic to employees and provide them with information on flu prevention methods.
- Provide a comfortable location for the clinic, and even some light refreshments if you can.
