Among vaccine preventable diseases, influenza causes by far the most deaths, outpacing all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined.

The College Bylaws (Schedule A – Code of Ethics) require BC optometrists “to keep the health and visual welfare of the patient uppermost at all times”.  The College’s September 4, 2017 e-mail advised all registrants of measures being implemented by all health authorities in the province regarding the protection of vulnerable ands senior patients and to ask optometrist to consider, as health care providers, the measure that might take to ensure their clinics will be as safe as possible for all patients, particularly the vulnerable and seniors.  Furthermore, the Ministry has advised that, as of December 22, 013, anyone visiting someone in a health care facility, will be expected to have been vaccinated or wear  mask to help protect those most vulnerable this influenza season.

We are providing a link to BC’s public health office. There are excellent articles, such as “Help Fight the Flu in BC” on this site which you may find useful.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-s-health-care-system/office-of-the-provincial-health-officer/current-health-topics/influenza-information

In addition, there are several articles on Vancouver Coastal Health’s website, such as the following, which you may find useful.

http://www.vch.ca/Documents/Influenza-prevention-policy.pdf