BIDMC Flu Updates
BIDMC Update: Dec. 1: Screening and Visitor Restrictions
Do you have a cold or flu-like symptoms?
You will hear that question often if you are a visitor to BIDMC, or a patient who is coming to the medical center for an appointment.
BIDMC is asking everyone entering an inpatient floor or an outpatient office a few simple questions about flu symptoms. Visitation may be limited or delayed based on the answers to the questions and the clinical area. Patients coming for outpatient visits may be asked to delay your visit, wear a mask or proceed to an exam room or designated part of the waiting room. All these actions together can help fight the flu. We appreciate your help in protecting our most vulnerable patients.
On many of our floors, children under 12 are no longer allowed to visit. Click here for current visitor/patient guidelines and restrictions. Thank you for helping BIDMC protect your loved ones and all patients.
Vaccine Update: While seasonal vaccine is dwindling, more H1N1 vaccine is available at physician offices and at public clinics in cities and towns every week. Click here or here to find a flu shot session in your neighborhood. H1N1 is now being given to high-risk patients according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and BIDMC H1N1 vaccination guidelines:
- Patients aged 18-24 years
- Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season (Nov. 1 – April 1)
- Persons who live with or care for a child younger than 6 months of age (e.g. parents, siblings, daycare providers)
- Adults between 25 and 64 years with chronic medical conditions
- Oncology patients of any age who are currently considered immunosuppressed and, if stem cell transplant patients, more than 6 months out from transplant
- Adult solid organ transplant patient of any age greater than 6 months from time of transplant who are currently considered immunosuppressed
- Non-BIDMC HCW involved in direct patient care and emergency first responders (BIDMC HCW should be directed to EOHS vaccination kiosks)
NOTE that patients at 65 years of age or older are not a high priority group for 2009 H1N1 vaccination at this time (as per CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance).
BIDMC Update: Nov. 1
Visitor/Patient Restrictions for the Safety of All
We at BIDMC are always happy to see our regular patients and visitors new and familiar. But in this flu season, there are some restrictions and guideline that can help protect our most vulnerable patients – and everyone. For example, on many of our floors, children under 12 are no longer allowed to visit. Click here for current visitor/patient guidelines and restrictions. Thank you for helping BIDMC protect your loved ones and all patients.
BIDMC Update: October 7
Many physician offices and clinics have already given out their supply of seasonal flu vaccine. At BIDMC, most physicians offices are running very low, so be sure to call before you go see your physician for your shot. There is seasonal vaccine out in the community, however. Click here or to find a flu shot session in your neighborhood.
