Publish date: 14 November 2022
We all know that the system is under pressure, never more so than in winter.
That’s why I am strongly advising all colleagues to protect themselves and our patients by having their flu jab and COVID-19 booster.
Uptake rates are not where they need to be and that’s a challenge for us but also adds massively to the risks for everyone.
We need to do our bit to guard our services so please use this link to book your appointment as soon as you can or tell us if you’ve had it outside of work, please. If you don’t know your NHS number you can get it quickly online here.
Note that from this week, for the Covid booster, the Pfizer bivalent is now being used.
We really appreciate everyone who has already come forward, and my thanks go to our teams across the trust who are at the front line of keeping our services going as we enter winter. Please support them!
Dr Noir Thomas, Executive Medical Director
Staff uptake of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are low
Vaccination remains the single most effective way to prevent serious harm from COVID-19 and Influenza. As public health restrictions are now very limited, vaccination is more important than ever to provide protection.
Recently, University College London reported efficacy of vaccination within COVID-19 modelling which demonstrates:
- high effectiveness of preventing transmission following infection
- high prevention of serious illness
- high prevention of fatality when seriously ill.
Respiratory viral infections are increasing across Merseyside and the North West. Influenza A this year is rapidly increasing far earlier than usual seasonal patterns and is now accounting for the most reported respiratory infection excluding COVID-19.
Listen to what your colleagues have to say here.