Staff out to protect you from the flu

Julie Emerson Technical Instructor with the Children’s Occupational Therapy Team, receiving her flu vaccine

NHS professionals in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale have been rolling up their sleeves to protect people from flu.

To date (at 17 November), 1,622 community and mental health staff from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust have become a ‘flu fighter’.

Many of the people they come into contact with on a daily basis are vulnerable - particularly young children, older people and those with a long-term condition or weakened immune system.

For these people, the infections and complications that can be caused by flu can be severe and sometimes fatal.

A key priority for Pennine Care is to encourage staff to have their vaccine during the winter months, regardless of their role or level in the organisation.

Evidence shows that up to a quarter of healthcare professionals may become infected with flu, even during a mild season. The vaccine helps to keep patients safe, ensures that staff remain healthy and fit to work and protects colleagues and loved ones.

Every year, dedicated staff members at Pennine Care volunteer to become flu champions and drive forward the campaign in their division or borough.

Julie Emerson is Technical Instructor with the Children’s Occupational Therapy Team. Julie said: “I always have my jab to look after my patients. The flu could have very serious effects for some of them.”

With many more clinics planned across the Trust between now and Christmas, the number of Pennine Care ‘Flu Fighters’ is only set to increase.

A flu vaccination is also available free of charge to members of the public who are in an ‘at risk’ group, such as those who are aged over 65, pregnant, or who have a long term condition. People should speak to their GP if they think they are eligible.