H1N1 is clearly making the rounds. Fortunately the majority, as with the usual seasonal flu, will have only mild symptoms. However, the legitimate concerns about the serious illness, and in some cases deaths that occur must be acknowledged.
Immunization clinics are again underway, though now restricted to targeted groups. There are lots of opinions about decisions made about the rollout, and there are still many questions that must be answered. One concern that was raised today is that many Albertans who do not fit into a high risk group will not be immunized because they have queue fatigue. Some stood in lines for hours or days when all comers were accepted, and still didn’t get to the front. Some have now stood in one line to immunize the small children, then again with a spouse who is pregnant, a third time to immunize the 5 to 10 year old with asthma (insert any other chronic condition) and perhaps again to get an older child with diabetes vaccinated. When the vaccine is finally available to the low risk among us, they may be so tired of standing in a line, that they will forego the shot altogether.
As health care workers, you are at the front lines, and my admonition continues to be: Stay safe. (see comment at bottom of last blog)
Today I met with HSAA’s senior staff to discuss our response to the pandemic. At this point, our staff have not yet had an opportunity to be immunized and so are at risk of contracting or transmitting the H1N1 virus. We have heard from some local units that significant numbers have been down with the flu, and have experienced a number of cases at the office. (though absent testing, we don’t know with certainty that it was H1N1.) Some members have also indicated that there is a reluctance to participate in unnecessary gatherings. Finally, the re is the directive from AHS cancelling any on site social activities involving the public. In considering all of these factors, we have decided the following:
Field visits will be postponed until the new year
Regular servicing (member concerns, grievances, meetings with employers on specific issues, etc. will continue. Labour Relations staff will use their judgment to determine where, and if, meetings with members will occur, informed by restrictions imposed by the employers and their personal risk situation. This may mean having meetings off site or conducting them by remote means.
Off-site gatherings, such as our seasonal open house, will proceed, and members and guests are asked to assess their personal risk when deciding to attend or not.
We believe this measured response will help to limit the spread of the H1N1 virus without feeding the panic. This information may change as the flu continues its rounds. We will assess the situation on an ongoing basis, and will amend our procedures and practices as required.
BTW, a great rally in Red Deer on Saturday. We need to keep up the pressure.
This blog can also be used to give us information about what’s happening in your sites.
Tomorrow, we stand in remembrance to honour the sacrifice of the men and women who lost their lives in service of their country. We owe them much.
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