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Anyone who works within the health and social care sector is being advised to take up the offer of a flu jab if it is made, in order to protect themselves and the often vulnerable people under their care.

The recommendation was made by Professor Qutub Syed, the Director of the Health Protection Agency in the North West of England, who said:

“The smooth running of NHS hospital and community services and residential care homes can be seriously disrupted by staff sickness and it is not uncommon to see outbreaks of flu in these settings.
“Health care workers have a duty of care to themselves, their colleagues and the patients and residents they look after. It is important that they should take up the offer of vaccination.”

As anyone who has undergone care training will know, infection control is a hugely important part of providing health and social care services.

Medical professionals, including the acting regional director of Public Health for NHS North West, Dr. Ann Hoskins, aren’t sure how badly flu will hit the country this winter. However, they recommend that all those who are entitled to a flu vaccination should take up the offer just in case.