Flu vaccine – have you had the jab?

Flu vaccine – have you had the jab

THURSDAY, 16 NOVEMBER, 2017

PHOTO ATTACHED: (STANDING) DR DANIEL CHANDLER AND HEATHER WHATLEY, (SEATED) PROFESSOR JOHN CONNELL RECEIVING HIS FLU VACCINATION FROM NURSE CO-ORDINATOR MAGGIE MCMAHON

Flu vaccine – have you had the jab?

NHS Tayside Chairman Professor John Connell led by example by taking up the offer of a free seasonal flu vaccination.

Professor Connell was joined at Ninewells by Consultant in Public Health Dr Daniel Chandler and ward 34 haematology senior charge nurse Heather Whatley.

All NHS Tayside staff and volunteers are encouraged to take up the offer of a flu jab at staff clinics and participating community pharmacies across Tayside to protect themselves and vulnerable patients who may be more likely to suffer complications from flu.

Professor Connell said, “I believe it's very important that those of us working in healthcare, as well as people in at-risk groups, take up the opportunity to be vaccinated against flu.  The flu virus can be unintentionally passed on to patients, relatives and other staff, and if patients are particularly vulnerable they can become seriously unwell.

 

“The best way to help protect our patients and stop flu spreading in our hospitals and our community settings is for all NHS Tayside staff and volunteers to take up the offer of a free flu jab.”

Heather Whatley added, “I work with patients with compromised immune systems so it’s very important for me and my staff to get vaccinated to help protect our patients and stop the spread of flu.”

The vaccine is also available free of charge from GP practices for people in at-risk groups, pregnant women, those aged 65 years and over and unpaid carers. Children under age five and at primary school are offered the immunisation as a nasal spray.

Dr Daniel Chandler explained, “Flu can be a serious illness. It makes people feel very unwell for several days and full recovery can take up to a week. Even fit and healthy people can develop more serious consequences and can require hospitalisation.

“For those in the at-risk groups, the complications of seasonal flu can be deadly. The best way to be protected is to get the jab as this will stop flu from spreading to others who might be at risk.”

For more information on seasonal flu please visit www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/flu

Contact:

Louise Wilson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740718

16 November 2017