Health-care worker flu shot rates up for 2014-15 season in Grey-Bruce

Influenza immunization rates for health-care workers across Grey and Bruce counties, are up for the 2014-2015 season. Immunization rates are reported to Public Health, as of Dec. 15, 2014. Current rates may be higher as facilities continue to immunize staff and residents.

Local nursing homes rates averaged 74 per cent, up from 71 per cent in 2013-14. Errinrung Nursing Home in Thornbury reports 96 per cent of staff received the flu shot. Both Country Lane in Chatsworth and Elgin Abbey in Chesley reported 93
per cent of staff immunized.

Local retirement homes averaged 74 per cent, up slightly from 73 per cent last season. Choices Living Retirement Residence in Hanover, Hampton Court in Southampton and Kelso Villa Retirement Home in Owen Sound reported 100 per cent of their staff has received their influenza immunization.

Nursing homes and retirement homes also reported resident immunization rates. Kelso Villa Retirement Home, Nine Mile Villa in Lucknow, Georgian Heights, Grey Gables, Meaford Long Term Care Centre, Parkview Manor and Trillium Court in Kincardine, all achieved 100-per-cent immunization for residents.

The vaccination rate for health-care workers in local hospitals varied from 42 per cent to 100 per cent for an overall average of 65 per cent, an increase from 61 per cent. Grey Bruce Health Services in Lion’s Head achieved 100-per-cent staff immunization.

A complete list of facilities and influenza vaccination rates for staff and residents (where applicable): "Influenza Immunization Rates for Facilities (as of December, 2014)," is available on our website at Your Health/Infectious Diseases/Outbreaks.