University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM), which runs County Hospital in Stafford, has vaccinated 4,971 members of staff in the first four weeks of this year's flu campaign. That's 5.5% more than at the same point last year, and puts the trust fifth among NHS trusts across the West Midlands for staff uptake.
In the most recent week alone, 610 vaccinations were recorded, compared with 400 during the same week last year. The momentum matters: flu season puts real pressure on hospitals, and staff who are vaccinated are less likely to fall ill, less likely to pass the virus to vulnerable patients, and more likely to keep services running when demand is at its highest.
"Winter is always a busy period for the NHS and vaccination is an important way to protect ourselves and the people around us. Our staff care for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, so I would encourage eligible colleagues who have not yet been vaccinated to take up the offer. Being ahead of where we were at the same point last year, and currently fifth in the region, is really encouraging. We want to keep that momentum going as we head further into winter."
To put the scale of the issue in context, the UK Health Security Agency estimates that flu vaccinations prevented around 100,000 hospital admissions and 7,000 deaths in England over the past year. That's not a small number.
Patients are also being vaccinated through the programme. So far, 222 patient vaccinations have been delivered, including to renal patients, long-term inpatients and eligible outpatients.
Are you eligible for a free NHS flu jab?
Free NHS flu vaccination is available to a wide range of people from Gnosall. If you fall into any of the following groups, you can get it at no cost:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- People with certain long-term health conditions
- Pregnant women
- Children aged 2 to 3, and all primary school-age children
- Carers and those living with someone who is immunocompromised
- Frontline health and social care workers
Eligible adults can book through their GP surgery, a participating pharmacy, the NHS App, or the NHS website. Children are usually vaccinated through their GP or school vaccination service. If you're not sure whether you qualify, your GP surgery will be able to advise.
Source and image: uhnm.nhs.uk
