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Immunization Program

We plan, monitor and implement support for provincial immunization programs, promote immunization across the province and contribute to provincial immunization initiatives.

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Immunization clinical guidelines

Immunization surveillance & reporting

Immunization health information

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Immsformation! newsletter

For an update on what's happening in immunization, see the latest issue of our Immsformation! newsletter

Immunization in BC reports

BC Influenza Prevention Policy

BC has had an influenza prevention policy in place since 2012. At that time, BC became the first province in Canada to implement a province-wide condition-of-service influenza prevention policy.

The policy requires all healthcare workers to be vaccinated against influenza or wear a mask in patient care areas throughout the influenza season. The policy also applies to visitors, volunteers and students who attend a patient care area.  

The policy has three goals: 

  • To increase influenza immunization rates in healthcare workers employed in BC health authorities
  • To prevent transmission of influenza from healthcare workers to patients/residents/clients and to other healthcare workers in healthcare facilities in BC
  • To reduce influenza-related absenteeism in healthcare workers employed by health authorities in BC  
  • Healthcare worker immunization coverage
In the decade prior to the policy, influenza immunization rates among healthcare workers ranged from 40-46% in acute care facilities, and 56-68% in long-term care facilities, both well below the former target of 80%. 

Following introduction of the policy, the immunization rate rose in 2013/14 to an average of 75% for healthcare workers in acute care (i.e., hospitals), and 79% for healthcare workers in long term care facilities.

For up-to-date rates, see Immunization Coverage 
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The Immunization Program is part of the Immunization Programs & Vaccine Preventable Diseases Service at BCCDC. 

SOURCE: Immunization Program ( )
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