During October we'll start our campaign by offering the ‘flu vaccine to frontline colleagues in high-risk areas first to make sure both they and their patients are protected. Read on to see how you will be able to get your vaccine this year, and why we're doing things differently.
Who will be offered the vaccine first?
High risk areas such as A&E, ICU, Neonatal ICU, LDRP, acute floors, SAU, Respiratory wards and Oncology & Haematology along with the Community respiratory and QUEST teams will be offered their vaccines during October.
A core team of immunisers (corporate nurses and matrons) are planning where they're going to be during October - so if you are offered the vaccine by the team, please have it.
When will everyone else be able to have it?
In November we’ll be able to offer the vaccine to all other colleagues at a series of drop-in sessions, ward and department visits and via our peer immunisers. We’ll give more details in late October.
Why are we doing it this way?
Our vaccine is coming in three batches this year, with the last delivery expected in early November, so we had to think differently about who we offered it to first.
The vaccine has taken the manufacturer longer to produce this year. It protects against four strains of ‘flu and the delay came as there was uncertainty over the fourth strain.
I need my vaccination sooner. How can I get it?
If you are a staff member in a vulnerable group and work outside of these high risk areas, it may be quicker to access the vaccination if offered it through your annual GP programme or your midwife.
If you are inese groups and can’t get to your GP or midwife please contact Occupational Health so they can arrange for your vaccination here at CHFT. Email: FLU.CHFT@cht.nhs.uk
I’m allergic to eggs. Can I have the vaccine?
This year we also have an egg-free vaccination. A small supply will be held centrally by Occupational Health. If you need to arrange your egg-free jab please email: FLU.chft@cht.nhs.uk
More questions, worried by needles or want to know more?
Contact the team too if you want to chat through having the vaccination if you have questions not answered on our intranet 'flu pages here.
Contact: FLU.chft@cht.nhs.uk