A perfect week to get protected: flu vaccinations still matter

Flu has not gone away, and we are seeing an increase in flu related staff sickness.

We all play a vital role in protecting the people we care for, our colleagues and ourselves. Mersey Care has helped protect children by vaccinating 80,000 this winter. Now, we also need to protect our adult population, including our staff - by getting the flu vaccine.

As of this week, only 41% of patient facing staff have been vaccinated, with some divisions reporting low figures. Currently we have the lowest uptake of flu vaccinations in the region.

The vaccine is safe and widely used across the NHS. Getting vaccinated helps protect you, reduces the spread of flu, and helps keep our workforce healthy during the busiest time of the year.

Perfect week and our roaming vaccine

From Monday, 26 January, our vaccinators will be visiting our sites to make it a perfect week to get your flu jab. If you are working nearby, regardless of your service or division, please drop in and get vaccinated. Report to reception and you’ll be directed to the vaccination area.

Flu vaccinations and patient safety

Being vaccinated contributes to the physical health of the local population including ourselves, our friends, and families and of course our patients.

By getting yourself vaccinated you are protecting the most vulnerable from the spread of a potentially life-threatening infection, please bear this in mind – it’s for the good of all not just you as an individual.

We recommend that all colleagues who deliver direct patient care – including students on placement – are vaccinated to reduce the risk of contracting flu and spreading infection. Healthcare workers have a responsibility to protect their patients..

If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, what's stopping you?

If you’ve chosen not to get vaccinated, please take a moment and reflect on what’s holding you back. Is it access, concerns about the vaccine, or a fear of needles? Whatever the reason, talk to us, support is available and we’re here to help.

Let's see if a single 'perfect week' of effort can make a difference.

Remember:

• Vaccination is the best protection for you and those around you
• Healthy people need the jab - flu is not just a bad cold
• You cannot get flu from the vaccine

Let’s work together to keep our teams safe and make sure we can provide the best care this winter.

Finally, getting your flu jab is quick, easy, and free  book online or visit one of our clinics. If you’re struggling to access the jab, please email vaccinations@merseycare.nhs.uk or call 0151 471 7781, we are happy to help.