Visitor Restrictions

Banner Health's annual visitor restrictions at hospitals to prevent influenza

In response to flu and respiratory virus season activity increasing in the winter months, Banner Health will often implement visitor restrictions at our hospitals. For questions about the location near you, please contact the hospital directly.

The following are common restrictions during these times at Banner Health hospitals:

• Restricting visitors if they have a fever, cough, vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Restricting visitors under the age of 13. Siblings, who do not have cold and flu symptoms, may visit a new baby on the Obstetrics unit or Pediatric unit. That child may be screened for illness by staff before being allowed to visit.
• Children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times in public waiting areas and cafeterias.
• Visitors are highly encouraged to wash or sanitize hands frequently while at the hospital to prevent getting the flu or potentially spreading any illness.

All Banner Health employees, employed physicians, volunteers and students receive flu vaccinations. Those who were unable to receive the vaccination because of medical or religious reasons are required to wear a mask while in care settings (such as hospitals) during the flu season.

Banner Health encourages everyone over the age of six months to receive the flu vaccine to protect themselves and others from influenza. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for protection to set in.