1,000 hospital staff get the flu jab

Photo: Consultant Nurse Roz Wallis gives the flu jab to Paediatric Staff Nurse Sarah Schnellmann

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital vaccinated the 1,000th member of staff this week, just nine days into the Trust’s seasonal flu vaccination programme.

All staff are being encouraged to have the flu jab to help protect themselves, their patients and families as the flu season approaches.

Medical Director Dr Mike Anderson said: “A total of 1,103 staff have had their flu vaccination so far, which is a great response.

“Last year we vaccinated more than 1,800 staff and we’re pleased to be well on the way to exceeding that figure this year.

“Being vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from flu and because our staff are at a greater risk of being exposed to the virus it’s important that they give themselves the best opportunity to stay well this winter.

“We also have a responsibility to protect the patients who use our services.”

The hospital’s Occupational Health team has been running daily walk-in clinics over the past two weeks, but trained vaccinators have also been going out into wards and departments to give staff their flu jab.

Dr Anderson added: “One of the most important aspects of our vaccination programme has been making it as easy as possible for staff to have their flu jab.

“Sometimes it’s difficult for staff to leave a busy ward or clinic, so we have a team of trained vaccinators who visit staff in the areas where they work.”