Acute Floor Sister, Taer Crank, shares today why age shouldn’t stop colleagues from getting their free flu vaccine this and every winter.

Taer, pictured right, who is a peer immuniser alongside Matron, Rhys Edwards and Senior Sister, Valentine Hesling, not only works with many younger colleagues here at CHFT, but her social circles also mean she’s likely to meet lots of people over the winter and she wants to keep herself, her patients and her loved ones safe.

Taer told us: “As Halloween and the party season get into full swing, it’s better to get vaccinated sooner rather than later. We are also caring for patients in our hospital with flu, so we know it’s starting to circulate in our communities.

“I go to a ladies’ gym class and am lucky to go out with friends and family a lot. And mixing with lots of people just increases the risk of me catching the flu, and more importantly spreading it to our vulnerable, immunocompromised patients, or my family. 

 “Being young doesn’t mean flu will bypass you – it’s indiscriminate. Whether you’re 16 or 60, age is no barrier to catching the flu, but as healthcare professionals we can all have the free vaccine so that if we do catch it, the symptoms are likely to be less harsh.”

“Alongside the vaccine it’s important we follow our routine IPC measures and to maintain good hand hygiene techniques. Together these are the best protection to stop the spread.”

Almost 2,000 colleagues have had their flu vaccination so far. 

If you've had your vaccination at your GP or with a community midwife, please tell us by self-declaring using our quick form.

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