Council and NHS staff fight the flu

Andrea Fallon, Cllr Brett and Dr Duffy at the staff flu vaccination session

NHS and Rochdale Borough Council staff are fighting the flu by getting vaccinated this winter.

Each year the council funds a staff vaccination programme targeting frontline staff who work with vulnerable groups.

All NHS staff are entitled to the vaccination and this year the offer has been extended to health and social care staff.

Flu is very infectious so ensuring that staff who come into contact with residents are vaccinated is important in limiting the spread of the virus.

The quick and simple vaccination is the best protection from the flu and they are offered free to those residents who could be at risk of developing severe complications.

For these vulnerable groups severe complications include bronchitis, pneumonia, the worsening of an existing condition or even death.

In 2018/19, the flu vaccination is being offered to: 

• Those aged 65 years and over
• Those aged six months to under 65 in clinical risk groups
• Pregnant women
• Those living in a residential or nursing home
• The main carer of an older or disabled person
• Children aged 2-3 and those in reception class, and school years 1-5 (to those in year 5 for the first time)
• People with learning disabilities and those who care for them

Councillor Allen Brett, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “A lot of council and NHS staff have regular contact with the public and it’s important we protect ourselves and others from the virus which can make some people very ill.

“I urge anyone who is entitled to a free flu jab to make an appointment with their GP or pharmacy to help our borough stay well this winter.”

Dr Chris Duffy, chair of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Sometimes people can underestimate the seriousness of flu and don’t take advantage of the free flu jab that is offered to staff.

“I have the vaccine every year to protect my patients, family and myself and encourage all staff to book in your vaccine now to protect yourself and loved ones.”

If you are eligible for the flu vaccine, get it now – it’s free because you need it. Contact your general practice, pharmacist or midwife to get it. Visit www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine for more information.