NHS staff told to get winter jab
Well short of target
Less than half of NHS Lanarkshire staff have got their flu vaccination for this year.
And healthboard staff are being urged to get their flu jab to ensure they’re ready to fight flu ahead of winter hitting. Staff, especially those who have contact with patients, can play a vital role in limiting the spread of the virus this year by getting vaccinated early.
Currently 42.4 per cent of staff have had the vaccine, against a national target of 60 per cent.
Dr David Cromie, consultant in public health medicine, said: “We advise our patients that the best way to protect them is the flu vaccine and it’s no different for healthcare staff.
“As healthcare workers, we have a duty to ensure those in our care are safe and protected, as statistics show patients with health conditions are 18 times more likely to die from flu than those who are healthy. This year’s vaccine is the best defence against flu, helping provide protection from flu for around a year, benefiting the staff member, their patients and their family. It’s important to get the vaccine each year as the flu virus changes, and immunity reduces over time.
“We have a duty to ensure those in our care are safe and protected, patients are likely to be particularly vulnerable to complications if they get flu. By getting the flu vaccine, and encouraging eligible patients to do the same, staff can make NHS Lanarkshire more resilient this winter.”
The vaccine being offered this year will protect against four strains of flu. Staff can get the vaccine by attending one of the drop-in vaccination clinics or arranging an appointment with a peer immuniser.