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January 14, 2002

“Health Region Takes Closer Look at Flu Shot Rules”

Calgary Herald (www.calgaryherald.com) (01/13/02) P. E6; Kuczaj,Sonia

In Canada, the Chinook Health Region in Alberta is in the middle of a labor dispute over a policy that forces workers at its long-term health-care facilities to be immunized against influenza or face disciplinary action if a flu outbreak should occur at their facility.  Under the current policy, if a worker who is not vaccinated comes down with the flu, they will be told to stay at home.  Because they did not receive a flu shot, however, the sick employees will not be paid for the missed shifts.  The policy was instituted after a strong recommendation was received from Health Canada, which encouraged residents and staff of long-term health centers to get vaccinated against influenza.  According to Dr. Paul Hasselback, medical officer for the Chinook Health Region, it is up to the operators of the centers to decide how to implement the policy.

ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.  THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.