Our winter 'flu programme wouldn't be as successful as it it is without our CHFT peer immunisers.

We end the first month of this year's campaign with almost 3000 colleagues having had the jab, that's more than 51% of all colleagues at CHFT who  are now protected.

To celebrate the hard work of our immunisers we're starting a search for Immuniser of the Year 2018. If you know an immuniser who has pulled out all the stops to support the campaign this year - then let us know.

And they could be in line to win High Street shopping vouchers, just in time for Christmas. Just send an email telling us the name of the immuniser, and what they've done that has made you nominate them. Give as much information as you can to back up your nomination. Please email flu.CHFT@cht.nhs.uk by Friday 30th November.

It really doesn't matter if our own immunisers supply the jab, or you get it from another healthcare professional, as matron Karen Melling explains.

Karen had her vaccination outside CHFT. She told us: "My message is very simple - it doesn't matter where you have it - just get it done.

"And as long as you declare you've had here, you'll also be in the prize draw (you could win an extra day's leave, or £25 of High St vouchers).

"As I have some health issues I am permitted to have my flu jab for free within a community setting. My sister is a pharmacy technician at a community pharmacy in Halifax and I chose to have my flu jab done there. I also get text messages from my GP asking me to attend the surgery for my flu jab.

"It's important to check with your GP or your local pharmacy regarding your 'flu jab as you may like me be able to have it where you choose. Just remember to self-declare that you have had this done so the Trust records can be updated".

Prize draw information

• For the first six-eight weeks of the campaign there will be the chance to win either an extra day’s leave, or a second prize of shopping vouchers – each and every week
• Once vaccinated your name stays in our ‘virtual’ hat until it’s picked out – so the sooner you have your vaccination, the sooner you could win
• You are also eligible to be in the draw if you use our self-declaration form to tell us you've had it at a GP or if you want to decline it
• Draws will take place each Wednesday by Occupational Health, and the winners announced in CHFT Weekly each Thursday
• This leave can be taken right up to the end of financial year 2019/2020

This week's winners are staff nurse, Merly Peters (pictured) - Merly wins the extra days leave, and validation clerk Marie Sinagoga. Marie used the self-declaration option and wins £25 of gift vouchers.