BCNU Members in Fraser East Region are required to demonstrate measles immunity by September 9th

BCNU members in the Fraser East Region need to be aware of this directive and comply with its requirements. It is important to note that under the directive, staff without a medical contraindication and without immunity and who are not willing to be immunized will be sent home without pay until the outbreak is over.

Fraser Health Authority Public Health & Chief Medical Health Officer Dr Paul Van Buynder said in the Fraser News to staff dated August 12th,

"There is evidence that measles virus is again circulating in the Fraser East region.

An individual with laboratory confirmed measles visited the maternity ward of Abbotsford Regional Hospital (ARH) on August 1, 2013. Staff on the ward at the time, and not known to be immune, have been excluded from the ward pending demonstration of immunity.

In view of the circulating disease, as a public health imperative, all staff in the affected area will be required to demonstrate immunity to measles by September 9th in order to continue working after that date, until the outbreak is declared over."

The directive does not apply in long term care settings?"

If you have questions about this policy please speak to your BCNU workplace steward.

For more information about measles, please visit http://www.bccdc.ca/dis-cond/a-z/_m/Measles/default.htm