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GOLD AND FINE JEWELLERY
Victoria 3501 Saanich Road 250-382-5269 Nanaimo 3200 North Island Hwy 250-756-4114
THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012
www.nanaimobulletin.com
VOL. 24, NO. 52
P: 250.585.1648 3392 Norwell Drive
Nurses comply with provincial flu shot policy
Curiosity Cove store owner Gerald Gonske looks in on the Mr. Pickwick Proposes a Toast vintage Lingard novelty teapot. The store, which gathered and sold a treasure trove of antique, vintage and retro curiosities and collectibles in Nanaimo since 1982, is closing its doors permanently Saturday (Sept. 1). CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN
Initial concerns eased during discussions between union and health ministry BY RACHEL STERN THE NEWS BULLETIN
Curiosity shop PAGE 7
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More health-care workers could feel the sting of a vaccination needle this flu season if they comply with the B.C. Ministry of Health’s new flu shot policy. The policy, announced last week by provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall, gives health-care professionals who are caring for patients in publicly-funded health facilities, including long-term care facilities, the choice of either receiving a vaccination or wearing a protective mask during influenza season. The policy also extends to physicians, volunteers, students, contractors and vendors who come into contact with patients. Jo Taylor, chairwoman of the Pacific Rim branch of the B.C. Nurses’ Union, said the union has always supported immunization programs, but initially nurses were worried the policy would be punitive if workers didn’t comply. She said talks this week with the Ministry of Health have left the union feeling more positive about the initiative.
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Taylor said some members don’t get their annual flu shot because they have had reactions to the vaccination in the past or some newer nurses haven’t had the same education about vaccinations. At Nanaimo Regional General Hospital nurses routinely go through the building to try and make it as convenient as possible for nurses to get their vaccination, said Taylor. Dee Hoyano, a medical health officer for the Vancouver Island Health Authority, said the policy isn’t designed to be punitive because people are being given the two options. She said the ultimate goal is to reduce influenza transmissions to patients. According to the B.C. Ministry of Health, the policy was created in response to low vaccine rates among health-care workers and others giving care in public health facilities, which it estimates at below 50 per cent. Health authorities provide free influenza vaccinations to all workers, volunteers and students who work with patients. ◆ See ‘MASKS’ /4