Flu jab is a real shot in the arm

Over 1,000 NHS professionals from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust have rolled up their sleeves to protect people from flu – including several of the Trust’s most senior leaders. Chairman John Schofield with immuniser Laura Birch

HEALTH staff across Oldham have been rolling up their sleeves to protect vulnerable residents by having their flu jab — and have even been sharing pictures of the jab experience with “flu selfies” on social media.

Over 1,000 NHS professionals from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust have had the jab and have even made a video as part of this year’s flu campaign for the first time.

“The power to protect people from flu begins with you!” campaign’s video features a range of staff and patients from across Greater Manchester, including Butler Green Intermediate Care Unit in Chadderton.

Up to one in four healthcare professionals may become infected with flu each year and so encouraging every single member of staff to have their vaccine is a key priority to ensure that staff remain fit for work and are protecting their colleagues and loved ones.

For vulnerable residents, including those with a long-term condition or a weakened immune system, older people and young children, flu can lead to severe infections, complications and even death.

Pennine Care’s top bosses, including chief executive Michael McCourt, executive director for nurses and healthcare professionals Ian Trodden, medical director Henry Ticehurst and chairman John Schofield, have thrown their support behind the campaign and have had their vaccine.

Mr McCourt said: “We are committed to delivering the best possible care to patients, people and families in our local communities and encouraging our staff to have a flu vaccine is just one of the ways we achieve this.

“I would personally like to thank every member of staff who has already had their flu jab for doing their bit to protect the 1.3 million patients we are responsible for. By having it, they are also helping protect their colleagues and their family.

“My father is 90 and my 10-year-old son has asthma, so I have the flu vaccine every year to protect them.”

A flu vaccination is also available free of charge to members of the public who are in an “at risk” group, such as those who are aged over 65, pregnant, or who have a long-term condition.

Visit www.nhs.uk for further details.