Remember these UHN Flu Fighters? They participated in our original flu campaign teaser. We sat down with them again to ask them why they think it’s important to choose prevention and get the flu shot.
A reminder that we’re in this together. For every flu shot a UHN staff member receives, UHN will donate a vaccine to a child in need.
Fahreen Ladak – Physiotherapy Lead at Bickle Centre
Why did you choose prevention and get the flu shot this year?
I choose prevention because it aligns with my life philosophy. I am a physiotherapist and I believe that it is better to minimize the potential for illness by exercising regularly, and in this regard, preventing the flu rather than treating it.
What does this year's campaign mean to you?
I think it's wonderful to see UHN supporting a healthy population both here and abroad. It's great to be in a position to have a global and local impact. It means by protecting myself I have the opportunity to protect another person, which is remarkable.
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Melissa Chin – Senior Corporate Planner
Why is it important to vaccinate against the flu?
It is important particularly because we work in health care. Although I interface less frequently with patients, the opportunity to bring in the flu to work is still there. It is important to me that I mitigate the opportunity they might catch something from me.
What would you say to someone who's unsure about getting the vaccine?
In my opinion, the benefits outweigh the risks! Besides, the new needle technology combined with our expert nurses make the shot painless and you get free chocolate!
Dr. Mark Bayley -
Medical Director at Brain and Spinal Cord Rehab (TRI)
Why did you choose prevention and get the flu shot this year?
I want to keep my patients and my family safe from the flu. The flu shot saves lives and helps reduce the burden on our emergency rooms and hospitals.
What would you say to someone who's unsure about getting the vaccine?
Let's go shot for shot! It's easy and other than a little arm soreness there are minimal side effects.
Justine Jackson – Interim CEO
Why did you choose prevention and get the flu shot this year?
I believe the flu, which is not fun, can be prevented.
What does this year's campaign mean to you?
This year the campaign is more of a community effort. We are working together to benefit our community!
Dr. Charles Chan - Vice-President, Medical Affairs
Why is it important to vaccinate against the flu?
I had the flu 10 years ago and I still remember how sick I was. Ever since that year, I have taken it yearly.
What does this year's campaign mean to you?
It is important that we show our patients that we are taking additional precaution for ourselves and also to protect them
What would you say to someone who's unsure about getting the vaccine?
Courage lives here. You can do it!
Dr. Michael Baker, Rose Family Chair in Medicine
What does this year's campaign mean to you?
We are trying very hard to encourage our health care workers and employees to have the flu vaccine without taking the step of making it mandatory. We respect the ability of our staff to understand the need through providing information.
Why did you choose prevention and get the flu shot this year?
Flu is not just a bad cold but a serious infection that can have devastating results. You will want to avoid it!
Heather Gordon - Social Worker in the Red Blood Cell Disorders Clinic
Why did you choose prevention and get the flu shot this year?
I got the flu shot this year like I do every year to prevent the flu and stay healthy. I was also intrigued by the idea that a vaccine will be donated to a child in need.
What does this year's campaign mean to you?
This year's campaign is significant as we are donating vaccines for children in need. Also, each flu shot brings us closer to UHN's goal to vaccinate 70 per cent of staff without making it mandatory like many other hospitals do.
Robyn Short – Development Associate, Foundation Relations, Toronto Rehab Foundation
Why is it important to vaccinate against the flu?
I believe it's important for all Ontarians to get the flu shot to help combat busy ERs and prevent the spread of the bug. I feel it is especially important for providers of health care, as well as anyone working with vulnerable populations, to get the shot and help protect the people they work with.
What does this year's campaign mean to you?
It meant a great deal to know that as a result of my shot, a child in need would receive a vaccination. I hope that message resonated with many UHN employees and encouraged them to set aside their fears to help a child.
So far, we've donated close to 10,000 vaccines to children in need around the world through UNICEF, but we still have a ways to go. If you haven't received your flu vaccine, check out the schedules below to find a flu cart near you:
To make getting your flu shot even easier, Occupational Health and Safety will be offering a concierge service to bring a flu cart to you. Staff requesting Concierge Service need to leave their name, phone number, location and requested time and date for the vaccine. Someone will call them back to confirm the appointment. Staff can call the following:
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre: 16-2090
- TGH: 14-3267
- TRI: 416 597 3422 ext 3775
- TWH: 13-5121
So what are you waiting for? Choose prevention and protect yourself, those around you, and children around the world.
