This year, influenza immunization average rates for healthcare workers ranged from 68 per cent to 78 per cent in healthcare facilities. Long-term care home and retirement home immunization rates have increased, while hospital immunization rates remain consistent compared with last season.
Facilities reported Influenza immunization rates to Public Health as of January 15, 2020. Current rates may be higher as facilities continue to immunize staff and residents. Results include all employees on payroll, licensed independent practitioners, adult students/trainees, volunteers and contract workers.
Staff immunization rates in local long-term care homes averaged 74 per cent this year, up from 71 percent from 2018-2019. Country Lane in Chatsworth and Elgin Abbey Nursing Home in Chesley each reported the highest staff influenza immunization rates at 95 per cent.
Staff immunization rates in local retirement homes averaged 78 per cent this year, up from 74 per cent from 2018-2019. Choices Living Retirement Residence in Hanover, Errinrung Retirement Home in Thornbury, Hampton Court in Southampton, Nine Mile Villa in Lucknow and John Joseph Place in Owen Sound, all reported 100 per cent of their staff received their influenza immunization.
Staff immunization rates in local hospitals varied from 50 to 82 per cent for an overall average of 68 per cent, similar to the 67 per cent average in the 2018-2019 season. Grey Bruce Health Services Markdale achieved 82 per cent staff immunization, while Grey Bruce Health Services Southampton reached 81 per cent.
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause illness and death, particularly among vulnerable populations. Annual influenza immunization of healthcare workers helps stops the spread of influenza to those at the highest risk. To support healthcare worker immunization, Public Health provided facilities with influenza readiness tools, resources and support with their outbreak management preparation. As a result, 72 per cent of our healthcare facilities saw an increase in staff immunizations. We will continue to engage with facilities in 2020 to increase their staff influenza immunization rates as an essential component of an overall strategy to keep our population healthy.
Influenza Immunization Rates for Facilities as of January 2020, available on our website at Your Health / Infectious Diseases / Outbreaks
source: media release, Grey Bruce Health Unit
