Flu Outbreak Management

H1N1 provides unique learning opportunity for students...

Student placements are not affected at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will communicate any changes. For more information about seasonal and pandemic flu, please consult additional resources at the bottom of this page or contact us.

General Instructions for all Nursing Students:

• Do not go to your placement if you have flu symptoms (please use influenza self-assessment tool developed by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care). Report any illness to your clinical instructor or your faculty advisor and preceptor.
• Receive immunization for seasonal flu when vaccines become available and provide proof of immunization to the CPO and your placement hospital or agency. If you do not receive flu vaccination, your placement may be jeopardized as you may not be allowed to attend in case of an outbreak. For a list of resources about flu shot clinics, please see the Flu Shots section below.
• Keep in touch with your clinical instructor or faculty advisor on a regular basis and keep them updated on any changes.
• In case of an outbreak at your placement, you are required to follow all policies and procedures implemented by your placement hospital or agency.

You are also required to contact your clinical instructor or faculty advisor to discuss any impact these may have on your placement.

Flu Shots

It is highly recommended that all students be vaccinated for the Seasonal Flu. Here are some options:

• Your placement hospital or agency may offer vaccination for students.
• Toronto Public Health
• Ryerson Medical Centre
• Your family doctor
  

Please ensure you request a note as evidence of your vaccination and present it to both the CPO and your assigned placement site.

Mask Fit Cards

Please ensure that your mask fit test card is valid. You are required to carry this card with you at all times when you are in placement. Mask fit test cards are valid for two years from the date they are issued on.

If your mask fit test card has expired or is nearing its expiry date, please make sure to renew it as soon as possible:
St. Michael’s Hospital: N95 Respirator Medical Questionnaire and Instruction Sheet

Additional Resources

• Ryerson H1N1 Pandemic Flu Information Resource
• Ryerson Medical Centre
• Toronto Public Health: Information for Health Care Providers
• Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care: Information for Health Care Providers

If you have any questions, please contact us.