Flu vaccinations are go!

Moving into winter can only mean one thing – it’s flu season. We encourage all our staff to get the flu vaccination every year, and we’re working hard to increase the uptake this winter. 

Although last year was considered a ‘mild’ flu season, hospitals still treated more than 900 patients in intensive care settings because of  flu and, tragically, nearly 11% of them died – some of them infants. A bigger outbreak this year is always possible, and we want our staff to be protected so that they can’t carry the virus, pass it to each other - or to vulnerable patients. 

Vaccinations really can save the lives of patients, staff and their families. 

The good news is that nearly 27% of our staff chose to be vaccinated last year, even though these vaccinations are entirely voluntary – but we want to match other NHS trusts and get that number higher this year. So far this season 25% of staff at EEAST have had their jab – thank you to all of you. 

We are committed to providing vaccinations for any of our staff who request them. This year to make it convenient for you, you’ll be able to have your vaccination on station at a time that suits you. And if you have it done somewhere else, like a supermarket or at the doctors, we’ll reimburse you for the cost. The flu vaccine is not just for clinical staff, it is available and recommended for all staff because every member of the Trust plays an important role in the delivery of patient care. 

These vaccinations are very effective; around 175,000 more NHS staff in England are now choosing to be vaccinated compared to when the national flu-fighter campaign, run by NHs Employers, began in 2011. Last winter more than half of all NHS frontline staff had it done for the first time ever - which adds up to more than 500,000 healthcare workers. 

The NHS can of course also offer vaccinations to patients. Non-staff members of the public who can get the flu jab free of charge on the NHS include: 

• pregnant women
• anyone with a long-term condition including diabetes, asthma, kidney disease or heart or chest problems
• people undergoing medical treatment who may have a compromised immune system
• people with a neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
• everyone over the age of 65. 

Please encourage your patients to speak to their GP and get the flu jab this year. 

Vaccination clinics will be advertised locally as well as on Need to Know, but if you have any question please contact flu@eastamb.nhs.uk. 

Published 22nd November 2014