As of December 1st, all visitors to Northern Health (NH) facilities will be asked to wear a surgical mark if they have not received their annual flu shot.

This is part of the province’s strategy to prevent the spread of flu and to protect already vulnerable patients.

“Patients and clients in hospitals and long term care facilities often have weakened immune systems that put them at greater risk of serious complications from influenza,” says Northern Health Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Sandra Allison. “The best way to protect not only yourself but the people around you is to get a flu shot, even if you’re normally a healthy individual.”

The policy is applicable to all patient care areas in Northern Health hospitals as well as long term care homes.

Free flu shots for visitors are provided and can be obtained at a family doctors, walk-in clinic or pharmacy.

Masks will be provided at nursing stations and receptions desks.

All those who pose a risk must wear a mask including doctors, staff, students and volunteers.

Flu shots are free for all children from six to five years of age, people who are 65 and older, Aboriginal people, people with chronic health conditions, people with weakened immune systems and for anyone who lives or works with a person who is at a high risk of developing problems from the flu.

Flu shots are also free for any visitors of any Northern Health facility.

For more information on where to find clinics that provide flu vaccinations, please visit immunizebc.ca.