Fall is immunization time! The Health, Wellness, Safety, and Ability Management department is working with Heart Pharmacy to provide immunization clinics for Island Health employees, physicians, volunteers and students. This year, we will be offering Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines and we encourage everyone to get vaccinated to increase protection and reduce transmission.
Island Health staff can choose from three options to receive their vaccines:
1. Staff Clinics
Island Health will be providing staff vaccination clinics in large acute sites and selected long-term care sites across the island. The campaign is scheduled to run from October 21 to November 8. You can find the schedule for these clinics here.
Please ensure that you are registered with Immunizations BC prior to coming to a staff clinic by clicking here.
2. Get Vaccinated System
Island Health staff and their families can access the public Get Vaccinated System to receive their Influenza and COVID-19 shots. These vaccines are free for all BC residents aged 6 months and older. If you have at one time received a COVID-19 vaccine in BC, you are already registered with the system – you will receive an email or SMS text message when it's time to book a new appointment. If you are unregistered, you can do so at: https://www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/s/
3. Peer Immunizers
Peer immunizers may be available on your unit to provide Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations depending on your location and department. Please ask your leader if this is an option for you.
Note that all employees of Island Health will be required to declare their Flu vaccination status.
For more information, please refer to the Flu Vaccine homepage.
If you have questions regarding Flu/COVID-19 vaccines and your vaccination options, please access the Flu Vaccine homepage, reach out to your leader, or contact the Employee Health Advisor team in Health, Wellness, Safety & Ability Management at EHN-OHS@IslandHealth.ca.