[W]inter is coming and with it brings flu. North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust (NCUH) and Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT) are determined to make 2017/18 the year that they vaccinate more staff than ever with the seasonal flu vaccinations.
This year, the two Trusts are working together to get all front line staff vaccinated against flu to protect themselves, their patients and their families. The vaccinations are provided free of charge to all employees and are effective against this year’s strain of flu.
Last year NCUH achieved a record 75.6 percent of frontline staff vaccinated with CPFT achieving 63 percent but both Trusts are hoping to beat those figures this year.
This year is particularly important as Australia and New Zealand have just experienced a ‘heavy flu season’ and the vaccine is the most effective way to protect against flu.
Stephen Eames, chief executive of both Trusts, said: “I’m really behind the flu fighter campaign once again. Our teams at both Trusts have been really involved and proactive with the campaign, and are determined to increase the amount of people taking up the vaccination in 2017/18.
“I’ve had my vaccine and want to encourage all of our frontline NHS staff to have theirs. Not only is this a quick and simple procedure, with little or no side effects, but it can also save lives. The vaccination will protect our employees this winter, and also their families, colleagues and patients.”
Meryl Lawrenson, professional lead for infection prevention & nursing at CPFT, said: “We know that Australia and New Zealand have had a particularly hard flu season and our flu vaccine protects against the most prevalent strain of the virus they’ve had this year.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to ask that if you are in a high risk group; over 65, pregnant or have certain medical conditions, you also get yourself vaccinated at the earliest opportunity.”
GPs are urging anyone who is eligible for a free flu jab to contact their GP surgery where they can make an appointment or book into a flu clinic.
Who is eligible:
- People aged 65 or older
- People with long-term conditions such as COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heart or kidney disease.
- Children aged two and three years old will be offered this vaccination by nasal spray. Your child’s GP surgery should contact you.
- Children in reception class and school years 1, 2, 3 & 4 will be offered the vaccine at school. Your child’s school will provide details from the local healthcare team.
For more advice please visit http://www.northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/health-services/stay-well-this-winter/stay-well-this-winter.aspx
