As flu vaccinations in Dorset pass 250,000, the NHS in Dorset thanks frontline staff for having their flu vaccinations to protect the vulnerable people they care for.
Dorset County Hospital teams have made strong early progress in vaccinating staff this winter and currently has the highest rate of staff flu vaccination rate in the South West. Their drop-in sessions and roaming vaccinators are reaching high numbers of staff across the hospital, helping to reduce risk on wards and keeping services resilient.
Catherine Youers, Vaccination Lead at Dorset County Hospital, said, “Our teams have worked incredibly hard to ensure flu vaccination is easy and accessible for staff.
“We are proud of the strong uptake we have had this year and are continuing to offer the vaccination to ensure staff are protected as we approach the festive season.
“Every vaccination helps keep our staff, their families, and our patients safe.”
Flu cases are increasing across Dorset earlier than expected this year. With winter pressures building and busy wards, clinics, care homes and community visits ahead, frontline health and care staff are being urged to get protected as soon as possible.
Flu can hit suddenly and cause serious illness. Even healthy people can be unwell for days. For staff working in hospitals, GP practices, care settings and the community, it can also mean loss of income, rota disruption and extra pressure on colleagues.
Getting your flu vaccination helps to:
- Protect you through the busiest time of year
- Reduce the chance of passing flu to patients, residents and co-workers
- Support safe staffing by lowering sickness levels
- Keep services running smoothly over Christmas and New Year
Dr Andy Dean, Medical Director for Integrated Community Services at Dorset HealthCare said, “There are two main reasons why I get vaccinated. First of all, I would feel awful to pass this on to one of my patients, where I know it can have an impact on the rest of their lives
“And secondly trying to ensure we have the workforce available across the winter when things get difficult, and it’s really important that we can look after our more vulnerable members of society… I would strongly recommend that people take them to protect all of those around us.”
Frontline health and social care staff who provide direct patient or client care are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination.
Ask your employer about staff vaccination arrangements or visit a local walk-in clinic to speak with the vaccination team.
Taking a few minutes now helps prevent disruption later, for you, your colleagues and the people you support every day.
Information on eligibility, local clinics and winter health advice is available at: www.staywelldorset.nhs.uk.
