Hospital staff put lives at risk as over half refuse the f lu jab

MORE than half of staff at Tallaght Hospital have not had the flu vaccine.

Tallaght Hospital’s 2016 quality review reveals that just 46.5% of their hospital staff have received the vaccination as Ireland faces into a winter flu crisis.

The hospital lauds the figure, saying it has ‘exceeded the national target’, which is a modest 40%, and represents ‘the third highest uptake among Irish hospitals’. However, it means the majority of staff are not vaccinated, putting patients at risk.

Hospitals are currently bracing themselves for a winter flu epidemic after a heavy outbreak in the southern hemisphere during the winter season there. This week, Health Minister Simon Harris urged all healthcare workers to get the vaccination jab saying those who do not are putting vulnerable patients in their care at risk.

He said: ‘I would appeal to those who work in our health services and are in regular contact with vulnerable patients to get the vaccine. You will not just protect yourself, you will also protect vulnerable people in your care. I would ask patients to question those looking after you on whether they have had the vaccine. You have that right.

‘I would also encourage all those in “at risk” groups to get the vaccine now, as it can take up to two weeks to take effect. The vaccine reduces the risk of influenza as well as reducing hospitalisations and mortality in older people.’

INMO chief Liam Doran also said this week that all healthcare workers had a ‘responsibility’ to get vaccinated.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Today With Sean O’Rourke, he said: ‘I think nurses and midwives have to take a lead on this – they are touching the patient every minute of every day.’

A hospital spokesperson said: ‘The hospital is proud that just three weeks into the 2017 programme, 40% of our staff have already opted to get the vaccination. We are confident the number of staff who choose to receive this optional vaccination will continue to rise.’