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BCNU won't fight new flu shot policy
VANCOUVER/CKNW (AM980)
Martin MacMahon | Email news tips to martin.macmahon@corusent.com
8/27/2012

BC's nurses won't oppose the province's new mandatory flu shot policy for health workers.

But that doesn't mean the nurses union is happy with the enforced regulation.

BCNU spokeswoman Margaret Dhillon:

"We would always prefer that vaccinations be voluntary, but we of course continue to support and encourage all of our members to get them. But we also want to emphasize that to have a good program you also need to have good managerial support and comprehensive education programs in place as well."

The union says that managerial support could include ensuring safe staffing levels, providing enough rooms for patients and ensuring greater cleanliness in hospitals.


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  1. more4u posted on 08/27/2012 08:04 PM
    To my understanding the flu vaccination is voluntary, the other option is to wear a mask. As for the union not being happy, no surprise there. They will never be "happy".
  2. michael_4092 posted on 08/28/2012 08:05 AM
    They are happy lots of times, but nobody ever dwells on those times, do they.

    I know alot of nurses who are all happy and love their jobs every single day taking care of sick people like you, when you get sick and need them.

    We all understand that yes, a mask is an option. Everybody gets it. no problemo. Just don't believe it's to protect you. This measure is to protect US from you and others who come to us when you are sick, easy to understand.

    Another thing, although voluntary. If you do not bow to the force of the injection, and there is a flu outbreak and you get sick, VCH and other authorities will keep you off work unpaid because you did not get the not-mandatory shot and even though you wore a mask.

    That sounds fair eh?
    1. Ron_26 posted on 08/28/2012 10:05 AM
      @michael_4092 I read more4u talking about the union not the nurses. Union leaders are never happy.
      "Do no harm". Isn't that what health care workers subscribe to?
  3. Gerard M posted on 08/28/2012 10:08 AM
    If they dont get the flu shot or wear a mask , lay them off till they do.
    Our health is our HEALTH and is the most important to US not THEM!
    1. MST238 posted on 08/28/2012 11:00 AM
      @Gerard M I would suggest if you don't like getting sick, get yourself and those you care about immunized.
      Healthcare workers are not slaves. They are for the most part highly skilled individuals who provide a service that we as society could not do without.
      Yes I would say most enjoy there jobs, and truly care about the patient. There are however those that see it as just a job and no more, there is no requirement to "care" just show up put in your time and go home. You won't know which ones they are. Quite frankly neither will the body that employee's them.

      That being said the only one way to be truly responsible is for those concerned to look after themselves first. Instead of relying on others, who may or a may not really care about your well being. We need to stop worrying about what healthcare providers are going to be doing and think more about our own healthcare.
  4. noparty posted on 08/28/2012 10:55 AM
    I keep health care workers saying no one should Force them to take a flu shot, fine. Someone on Bill Good show said it best : If you want to go on a vacation over seas you HAVE to get your shots! If you want to work in the health care profession you HAVE to get your shots or wear a mask. In both cases you have a choice comply or find a another place to vacation or another place of work.
  5. YourAmericanMaster posted on 08/28/2012 12:03 PM
    As a healthcare professional who works at Fraser Health sites I always get a flu shot and have not had the flu in over a decade.

    I believe in immunization and am living proff that the shots work, these delusional people should be given a choice take the shot or get another job.
    1. noparty posted on 08/28/2012 12:12 PM
      @YourAmericanMaster Here's the problem:All experts rely on their opinion of the evidence out there. The only ones who are correct are those that I agree with!!!
    2. AndreaD_0111 posted on 10/24/2012 01:30 AM
      @YourAmericanMaster Are we going to check and make sure that all the visitors that come through the doors have had their flu shots too, and if they don't will they be made to wear a mask? What happened to natural immunity, not coming in to work when you are sick,
      and maintaining good practice--hand washing? I have been caring for kids for the past 30 years (also in Fraser Health) and have been coughed on, puked on, spit on, etc. and have barely used any sick time (my sick time bank is full and I am not accumulating any more time!) in all those years without ever having had a flu shot! I am much more likely to catch something from the sick kids that I care for and/or their families/visitors than they are from me!
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