Important Flu Season Reminder

This CSSEA Info is an update to CSSEA’s 2012 Flu Season Reminder and is provided following the October 24, 2013 arbitration decision involving the Health Employers Association of BC (HEABC) and the Health Sciences Association, in which the arbitrator upheld HEABC’s policy requiring non-vaccinated employees to wear masks.

The decision suggests the requirement to be vaccinated against the flu or to wear a mask will apply beyond HEABC to employees of CSSEA members who provide health care services including nurses, physicians, students, volunteers and those providing contracted services who come into contact with patients, clients or residents whether in hospital, community, or home care settings.

Therefore, we continue to recommend that members with vulnerable clients in community living facilities adopt the same mandatory flu vaccine initiative during this flu season. Getting vaccinated against the flu or wearing a mask will be a significant change for some of your employees, but these enhanced protection measures will improve the safety of vulnerable clients by reducing the risk of spreading the flu.

Employees can obtain the flu vaccine without charge at pharmacies that administer vaccines by indicating they are a public sector employee delivering client services within the health care system.

December is the start of the flu season as designated by the Provincial Health Officer.  We strongly recommend that employers take steps to communicate the requirement for employees to get the flu vaccine or wear a mask before that date.

This means that members may wish to advise employees of their choices and make them aware that failure to wear a mask when not vaccinated would be grounds for discipline and/or will place them in a position where they are not able to be scheduled for work.

Please note that there may be situations where employees cannot wear a mask for health reasons or reasons related to work, and we encourage employers to examine these cases individually.

For more information on the flu and the vaccine please visit:

CSSEA Flu FAQs (Updated based on questions from members)
Influenza (Flu) Immunization: Myths and Facts
Facts About Influenza (the Flu)
Why Seniors Should Get Influenza (Flu) Vaccinations
Health Care Facility Visitor FAQs

For assistance in developing an appropriate response please contact your HRLR Consultant.