Trust’s flu jab push is not to be sniffed at

Pennine Care reaps results from staff vaccination push

The efforts of a local NHS Trust to increase staff uptake of the annual seasonal flu vaccination programme has been highly commended by NHS Employers.

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust achieved an impressive 68.7 per cent uptake of the flu vaccination during this year’s campaign, a result which equates to 3,200 of its workforce. This was not only within touching distance of the national target of 70 percent but also falls way ahead of the UK national average of 44 per cent.

And compared to the 24.8 percent uptake last year, the 44 per cent increase is certainly not being sniffed at by NHS Employers, which singled-out the Trust as one of its most improved organisations this year.

To achieve the notable result, Pennine Care established flu champions across its boroughs to lead on the vaccination programme and encourage staff to attend one of a range of vaccination stations around the organisation.

Seasonal flu is an illness caused by often changing influenza viruses, which takes hold predominantly over the winter months. Most people recover within a week or two after suffering typical symptoms like a high fever, headaches, shivers, an aching body and extreme tiredness. And although for most people it’s seen an uncomfortable inconvenience, it can have more serious consequences for the vulnerable, with the UK now reporting some 8,000 flu-related deaths every year.

The flu vaccine gives 70 to 80 percent protection against infection from seasonal flu viruses that closely match those in the vaccine and is most effective prior to the main flu season. Around 1.5 million people in the North West have the jab every year without any noticeable side-effects, as the viruses in the vaccine are inactivated so they can’t cause flu. However, some people may experience mild flu-like symptoms for up to 48 hours as their immune system responds.

Commenting on the campaign’s success, Michael McCourt, Director of Operations and Nursing at Pennine Care, who led by example by having the jab himself, said: “I’m extremely pleased with the significant improvement in uptake of the flu jab by staff as a result of the Trust’s efforts. This campaign isn’t just about our staff protecting themselves, it’s about protecting millions of people across the North West, and importantly, our patients, who are at particular risk from the virus.

“Anyone can get or carry the flu virus but it is more serious for older people with a chronic medical condition, particularly heart of lung disease. It can also lead to complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia and may be life-threatening for those who are already ill. It’s therefore really important that our frontline healthcare staff are immunised in order to protect both themselves and their patients.”

Flu vaccinations are still available to the public who are at risk by contacting your GP.