The Quebec National Health Institute will not be recommending mandatory flu shots for doctors, nurses and other health care workers because there is no evidence that immunization is always effective.
The Committee on Immunization Québec (CIQ) had been asked to access mandatory immunization and the mandatory wearing of surgical masks by health care workers who refuse to be immunized.
It came back with a report this week that says given the efficacy of the flu shot is from 40% to 60% from year to year, immunization is just one tool in the battle against the disease.
The report says flu shots are still recommended for health care workers, and if someone becomes ill the best course of action is to stay home.