Influenza is a significant cause of death in Canada, especially among the elderly and frail. In British Columbia, more than 1,400 people die each year from influenza and pneumonia combined. A person can be infected with the virus and pass it along to others without even knowing it.

Goals of the influenza prevention and control program 

The goals of VCH's influenza prevention and control program are to reduce:

• Illness and death associated with influenza, particularly among the most vulnerable populations.
  
• Predictable and preventable additional pressures on the health care system that occur during influenza season.
  

Your role as a health care provider 

• Promote the uptake of influenza and pneumococcal vaccine.
  
• Develop protocols for annual influenza vaccination of residents and staff.
  
• Develop protocols for preventing, identifying and controlling influenza outbreaks.
  

Influenza prevention and control program for facilities

Visit the Long-term care influenza guide page.

Download posters to help stop the spread of germs

We have posters available in multiple languages on our How to stay healthy webpage.
Long-Term Care Poster - Female Mask
Long-Term Care Poster - Male Mask
Long-Term Care - Caregiver and client
Translated Signage

Looking for general information about the flu?

Visit the Influenza (flu) page.

Looking for information on pandemic preparedness?

Visit the Pandemic Response Plans page.