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Influenza vaccination for Social Care Employees and Others

Do you work with elderly or vulnerable people? Do you need to have a flu jab because of the work you do? Influenza can be a very serious illness, especially in vulnerable people, potentially causing deaths and complications such as pneumonia. However, although influenza is a highly infective disease caused by viruses, it is possible for people to have a flu vaccination to help prevent the possibility of getting flu. The flu vaccination (or jab) is available every year, on the NHS, for certain people to protect adults and children at risk of flu and its complications.

According to www.nhs.uk, flu can be severe in certain people, such as:

  • Anyone aged 65 and over
  • Pregnant women
  • Children and adults with an underlying health condition (such as long-term heart or respiratory disease)
  • Children and adults with weakened immune systems and it is recommended for everyone to have a flu vaccination every year. Children over the age of 2 years who are eligible for an annual flu vaccination are usually given it as a nasal spray instead of an injected flu vaccine.

NHS England have also confirmed that the seasonal influenza scheme has been extended to include social care workers. Last year NHS England provided additional funding to support the delivery of flu immunisation for social care workers that offer direct patient/client care. This funding has again been agreed and will continue for 2018/2019 season. The scheme is offered by GP practices and community pharmacies.

So, please, may we suggest that all carers take up this offer and have the flu jab? By doing this, carers will protect themselves, their families and the vulnerable people they care for.

So, when is the best time to visit a doctor and get the flu vaccine. According to www.nhs.uk, the best time to have a flu vaccine is in the autumn, from the beginning of October to the end of November. However, do not worry if you miss this time period as you can also have the vaccine later in winter. There’s no excuse, it seems! The advice given does continue to say though, if you are ill with a fever, then delay your flu vaccination until you have recovered. Do not delay your flu vaccine if you have a minor illness with no fever such as a cold. It is also ok to have the flu vaccine while you are taking antibiotics.

Please be brave and arrange to have a flu jab – you may save a vulnerable person from an unnecessary illness or help stop a flu epidemic happening! It’s worth a visit to your doctor or community pharmacy.