Flu immunization rates increase slightly for staff at seniors homes

More staff at local nursing homes and retirement homes realize the value of flu shots for both their clients and themselves as immunization rates are up slightly from last season.

Staff vaccination rates at local nursing homes averaged 75 per cent, up from 74 per cent in 2014-2015. All staff at Country Lane Nursing Home in Chatsworth received flu shots. Both Errinrung Nursing Home in Thornbury and Golden Dawn Nursing Home in Lion’s Head reported 98 per cent of staff protected.

Local retirement homes averaged 75 per cent, up from 74 per cent in 2014-2015. Both Maple Court Villa in Walkerton and Kelso Pines in Owen Sound reported 97 per cent of staff received the flu vaccine.

Nursing homes and retirement homes also reported resident flu vaccination rates. Choices Living Retirement Residence in Hanover, Elgin Abbey Lodge in Chesley, Kelso Villa Retirement Home in Owen Sound, Nine Mile Villa Retirement Home in Lucknow and Georgian Heights Long-Term Care Home in Owen Sound had all their residents protected with the flu shot.

The vaccination rate for health care workers in local hospitals varied from 50 per cent to 83 per cent for an overall average of 62 per cent, a slight decrease from 65 per cent in the 2014-2015 season.

At Grey Bruce Health Services in Lion’s Head, 83 per cent staff had the flu shot.

Facilities report immunization rates to the Grey Bruce Health Unit as of Dec. 15, 2015. Current rates may be higher as additional staff and residents may receive shots past the reporting deadline.

A complete list of Influenza Immunization Rates for Facilities (as of December, 2015) is available on the health unit website at: www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca