No mask ruling for staff who haven't had flu jab

FILE

Lakes District Health Board will not make staff members who have not had a flu jab wear masks when dealing with at-risk patients, despite at least one other health board introducing the policy.

Communications officer Sue Wilkie said the board was not considering making the staff wear masks, but was closely monitoring the uptake by staff of the flu vaccination programme, which started just under a month ago.

Last year 55 per cent of health board staff took up the free vaccine.

The board has put extra steps in place this year - including more education around the importance of getting vaccinated - and has made it easier for staff to receive the vaccine with more vaccinators and extra hours.

Miss Wilkie said so far the board was pleased with the staff response to the free fluvax programme and had several initiatives designed to make having the fluvax easier for staff who worked irregular hours.

In Northland staff who chose not to have the flu vaccination will be required to wear a mask when treating at-risk patients throughout their services - hospital and community based.

The policy has been in place for two years. At-risk patients are those already ill in hospital and in community-based care. Those more at risk of flu include people who live with chronic illness, pregnant women, infants, and those over 65.