To maintain a high level of protection through the coming winter, frontline healthcare workers will be offered the flu vaccine to protect themselves and those in their care who are most at risk.
For some, flu is an unpleasant illness. But for many, particularly those with certain health conditions, flu can be very dangerous and even life threatening. Every winter, thousands die from flu.
As a healthcare worker, you’re more likely to be exposed to the flu virus. You will also be caring for people who may be at greater risk from the virus. Being healthy doesn’t reduce your risk of getting the virus or passing it on. You can have flu without any symptoms and pass it on to family, friends, colleagues and patients, many of whom may be at increased risk of serious illness.
Vaccines are our best protection against flu. Over the last few years vaccines have kept tens of thousands of people out of hospital and helped to save countless lives. Getting vaccinated is straight forward and while some people may experience some mild short lived side effects, the vaccine will keep you protected and if you are exposed to flu, your symptoms are likely to be milder and you may recover faster, cutting your risk of being hospitalised.
Getting the flu vaccine ahead of winter, when the virus spreads more easily, is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe, so you can continue to be there for the people you care for.
Our vaccination offer is available to all Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust employed staff who are involved in the day to day running of the organisation (including regular bank, agency staff and students).
Further information on eligibility can be found here.
If you need to cancel your appointment, please use the details in your confirmation email, or contact: vaccinations
It’s important to let us know if you unable to attend an appointment, so that your slot can be offered to someone else.
To rearrange, simply re-book using the booking form.
How effective is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine will help prevent you getting flu and is your best protection against the virus. It will not stop all flu viruses but if you do get flu after vaccination, it’s likely to be milder and shorter-lived than it would otherwise have been. It takes between 10 and 14 days for your immune system to respond fully after you’ve had the flu jab.
Our registered nurses will administer your flu protection in one arm.
Information for vaccination hesitant colleagues
Within the Trust we have: supportive conversations with managers, access to our specific email address for questions: Mandatoryvaccinations
The Trust is finalising the policy regarding mandatory vaccinations and consistency across divisions. Within the Trust we have:
- supportive conversations that are taking place with managers using this template, formal review meetings using this template
- access to our specific email address for questions: Mandatoryvaccinations
@merseycare.nhs.uk - access to our staff support services
- Cheshire and Merseyside Resilience Hub (as mentioned above)
- Talking Therapies services for those with needle phobias.
Please find helpful links with further information:
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The MHRA statement.
Suspected adverse drug reactions and how to report them
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) request that all suspected side effects to COVID-19 vaccines are reported via the dedicated coronavirus Yellow Card site.
Suspected side effects should be reported using one of the following routes:
- The coronavirus Yellow Card site (preferred route)
- The Yellow Card app (download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store) (preferred route)
- The regular Yellow Card site – there is a link to the coronavirus reporting site.
Your GP must be informed of any adverse reaction to a vaccine so it can be recorded in your medical records. Similarly, if reporting sickness absence due to side effects, please let your line manager know.
For further information in relation to this, please contact: Debbie
Vegan/vegetarian friendly?
There is no material of foetal or animal origin, including eggs, in either vaccine. All ingredients are published in healthcare information on the MHRA’s website. For the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine information is available here:
Hesitant?
If you’re still not convinced, hear from Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam.
Please find a link to information on the COVID-19 vaccine in easy read for sharing.
General resources for specific groups:
Yes. The NHS would not offer any vaccinations to the public until it is safe to do so. The MHRA, the official UK regulator authorising licensed use of medicines and vaccines by healthcare professionals, has said these vaccines are safe and highly effective, and we have full confidence in their expert judgement and processes.
As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. There are checks at every stage in the development and manufacturing process, and continued monitoring once it has been authorised and is being used in the wider population.
If you have been vaccinated already, please help us keep our records up to date by emailing: vaccinations
Can I have the flu vaccine if I’m pregnant?
Yes, all pregnant women are recommended to receive the flu vaccine. There is evidence that suggests pregnant women are at increased risk from complications if they contract flu, the flu vaccine is the best protection against this.
Advice for pregnant women, women trying to become pregnant and those who are breast feeding can be found on the GOV.UK website here
- If you are concerned about the impact of the vaccine on fertility, please click here to see the latest advice from the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- For advice to people currently undergoing or considering fertility treatment please see advice from Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Hewitt Fertility Centre here
Will I get any side effects from the flu vaccine?
The most common side effects from the flu vaccine can be a slight temperature or your arm may feel a little sore where you had the injection. Other side effects are rare.
We have plans for vaccinating inpatients in place, prioritising the clinically extremely vulnerable and over 70s. It’s important that service users, patients and all staff are protected.
Questions can be directed to: vaccinations@merseycare.nhs.uk
Keep checking the booking system and look out for updates for the latest information on our clinics. New dates and locations will be added regularly.
If you have any other questions that haven't been answered above, please email: vaccinations@merseycare.nhs.uk