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Thousands Immunized
Against the Flu Virus
Immunization is recognized as
the single most effective way of preventing
influenza (flu) for those at high-risk for
serious illness and death. As the
effectiveness of immunization in the elderly
is only 40-50 %, the best way to protect this
vulnerable population is through the
immunization of their caregivers. Research has
shown that immunization of staff in long term
care facilities reduces influenza-related
deaths by 41%. The Ministry of Health and Long
Term Care set a goal for staff immunization at
70%. In previous years, the overall staff
immunization rate for these facilities in the
tri-county was less than 33%.
In September, Health Unit staff held an
information session for health care workers.
They also made 24 presentations to staff at
various facilities and supported or helped
with immunization clinics in these facilities,
immunizing about 300 health care workers. The
Board of Health honoured these 25 facilities
for achieving the Ministry’s rate of 70%,
with the average being 85 %.
Another campaign was carried out with local
residents. There are close to 23,500 residents
in the tri-county who are 65 years of age or
older. The Health Unit’s staff vaccinated
over 1,500 elderly people in 30 flu clinics.
Community physicians also immunized nearly
25,000 elderly or at-risk clients. The Health
Unit dispensed 33,500 vaccines to hospitals,
institutions, clinics and physicians to help
them immunize their patients.
As a result of this campaign, Leeds, Grenville
and Lanark counties have had far fewer
illnesses or outbreaks related to the flu that
have occurred in other areas of the province.
This is an achievement to be celebrated by all
our community partners.
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Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit -
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