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Photo: Réka Gustafson receives an immunization at a local pharmacy.
Protect Yourself and Others This Respiratory Illness Season
Influenza is circulating in our communities. Getting vaccinated and reporting your vaccination status helps protect you, your colleagues, your patients and your loved ones.
→ A Message from Dr. Réka Gustafson
“Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from influenza. Influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone, and is particularly important for the very young, those over 65, and anyone with a chronic medical condition. Influenza is circulating in our communities now, so it is important to receive your influenza vaccine as soon as possible.”
Dr. Réka Gustafson
Vice President, Population and Public Health and Chief Medical Health Officer
→ A Message from Kathy MacNeil
“For me, being immunized is a simple way to care for and look out for one another. It helps protect our patients, our colleagues, our families and our communities. Getting vaccinated and reporting my status are small steps I can take that can make a meaningful difference during respiratory illness season.”
Kathy MacNeil
President and CEO
When health-care workers get vaccinated and report their vaccination status, they support the health and safety of their co-workers, patients and loved ones.
Immunization continues to be the best protection against influenza and COVID-19. Vaccines are available at local pharmacies through the provincial Get Vaccinated system. From October 13 to November 5, vaccination clinics will be available at some sites for staff, medical staff, volunteers and students.
1 Get Vaccinated
Protect yourself and others by getting your influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Book an appointment at a local pharmacy.
- Visit a site vaccination clinic at participating locations from October 13 to November 5.
2 Report Your Vaccination Status
Staff and medical staff must report their vaccination status, even if they did not receive a vaccine.
Important: Influenza Prevention Policy
It is safe to receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. Health-care workers are encouraged to be immunized against both. Under Island Health's Influenza Prevention Policy, staff who do not receive the influenza vaccine are expected to wear a mask during influenza season.
Staff who qualify for the RSV vaccine can receive one at a local pharmacy. For eligibility information, visit Island Health's RSV information page.
→ Questions? Learn More
For additional information about vaccination requirements, policies and available resources, consult the following:
For questions, contact the Employee Health Advisor team at EHN-OHS@IslandHealth.ca.
Thank you for taking steps to protect yourself and those around you. Getting vaccinated and reporting your status are important ways to support a healthier, safer respiratory illness season for everyone.