A lack of self-reporting of immunization by hospital workers is to blame for recently released statistics by Public Health, says management at two health care facilities in Guelph.
Earlier this week, Public Health issued a report showing the percentage of staff at Guelph General Hospital who had the flu shot was 50 per cent, while only 37 per cent of staff at St. Joseph's Health Centre Guelph were reported as being immunized.
The statistics don’t tell the whole story, said David Wormald, president of St. Joseph's Health Centre.
“We record the immunizations of staff who receive the flu vaccine through the clinics we host at St. Joseph’s, but we know many more staff have their flu shot through their doctors’ office, a pharmacy or other various locations,” said Wormald.
He believes the actual percentage of staff who are immunized against the flu to be higher than 37 per cent.
We rely on them to self-report and provide that proof of immunization in order to add to the numbers. It may well be the case that people have had the flu vaccination through other avenues and we have not received that information from them, though we do encourage and request that information,” said Wormald.
He added: “we know the health and safety of not only our residents, but our patients, participants and volunteers and staff is mission critical.”
The reasons for a 50 per cent immunization rate at Guelph General Hospital are similar, said its vice-president of patient services, Melissa Skinner.
“Having vaccinated staff is really important and we do our best,” said Skinner. “We have multiple clinics in the building and we even have a roving flu shot cart that goes right to the nursing units on days and on nights to see if we can get as many staff (immunized) as we can.”
There are roughly 3,500 influenza-related deaths in Canada every year, as well as 12,000 influenza-related hospitalizations.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health employees are required to get a flu shot as a condition of their employment, unless they are allergic.
Skinner said hospitals have been unsuccessful when trying to implement a similar mandatory flu shot policy.
“For example, nurses have the right through their collective agreement to refuse a vaccine. We also understand we want to support decisions that are made by our staff and knowing they have the right to choose,” said Skinner. “It’s hard for us because we have to balance out the risks of supporting our staff’s decision with patient safety.”
Wormald said St. Joseph's Health Centre strongly encourages staff to get immunized, but said it is ultimately their choice.
“That being said, we continue to be vigilant in all of our infection prevention control practices — hand hygiene, etiquette for sneezes and coughs and personal protective equipment,” said Wormald. “There is lots of education that is provided.”
Skinner said the decision of whether or not to get immunized can be a very personal choice.
“People are very divided on it, but as an organization we try to explain why it’s good for the patients, visitors and even themselves to get it,” she said.
Guelph General Hospital does make hand washing education mandatory, as well as mask fit testing, which is completed by all staff every two years.
Those policies can also be effective to help stem the spread of infectious diseases, said Skinner.
“Manditory handwashing education is done annually and as needed. We are refreshing that right now, we know it’s always good to have refreshers,” she said.
