It’s the flu that stole Christmas.
ScandiaCare has cancelled a Christmas concert at a Burnaby seniors’ home in response to Fraser Health’s requirement that anyone visiting a health facility have a flu shot.
Students from Burnaby’s Montecito Elementary were scheduled to sing for the seniors at the Swedish Assisted Living Residence on Dec. 11, but that event has been cancelled, according to Linda Foster of ScandiCare, the non-profit group that fundraises for the home.
Last year, the provincial government enacted a B.C.-wide policy that required all health-care workers to have flu vaccinations.
This year, the provincial policy was expanded to cover visitors to health-care facilities, which includes residential care homes. People who do not have their flu shot are not allowed to enter the facilities unless they wear a mask. The policy is in effect from December to March.
Flu shots are available at doctors’ offices, pharmacies and public health clinics. For more information, go to www.health.gov.bc.ca/flu or call HealthLink B.C. at 811.
– By Jennifer Moreau, staff reporter
