Hospital trust encourages staff and patients to get flu jab
Hospital bosses are encouraging staff and the public to get the flu vaccination as Australia is reporting one of its worst seasons in recent years.
Dr Shriti Pattani, the trust’s flu lead, said: “Flu migrates from Australia across the globe every year so it is a good indication of what we can expect by the time it reaches our shores this winter.”
At present, Australia is struggling through the second worst flu season in a decade with the number of cases being reported far earlier than usual.
This includes a ninefold increase in Influenza B cases and higher-than-average hospitalisations.
It is wrestling with the same apathy towards vaccination as the UK with large numbers of people not having the vaccine which is the best line of defence against flu.
Dr Pattani said: “The vaccination is quick, painless and contrary to some claims doesn’t give you a mild version of flu to build immunity.
“If you have the vaccination now it gives your body the chance to adapt and prepare itself before we start seeing the first cases.”
The hospital trust is also appealing to its own staff to take advantage of its own free vaccination programme with only 20% of resident doctors being vaccinated last year. This resulted in more than 80% going sick during the flu season.
Trust CEO Pippa Nightingale added: “Our staff are under a lot of pressure moving into winter so it is important we do all we can to minimise potential sick leave for both our colleagues and patients’ sake.”