THURSDAY, 31 OCTOBER, 2019

Photo attached: l-r vaccination transformation programme manager David Di Domenico, Dr Daniel Chandler, Professor Peter Stonebridge and Grant Archibald

Flu – Trust the facts. Get the vaccine

As winter approaches, NHS Tayside is urging healthcare staff and people in at-risk groups to take up the offer of a free seasonal flu vaccination.

Chief Executive Grant Archibald and Acting Medical Director Professor Peter Stonebridge today visited a flu vaccination clinic at Ninewells to get immunised along with members of Tayside NHS Board.

Consultant in Public Health Medicine Dr Daniel Chandler, who leads on the flu vaccination programme in Tayside, was also at the clinic to receive his vaccination.

Grant Archibald said, “I’m delighted to join the 3000 members of staff who have already taken this important step to protect themselves and our patients from flu. I would urge everyone who has yet to get immunised to take up one of the many opportunities available for staff to get their free flu jab.”

Professor Stonebridge added, “Healthcare workers have a higher risk of flu compared to the general public, with up to one in four likely to become infected during a mild flu season, and more than two thirds of people with flu may not have any symptoms but could still pass it on to others.

“This is why it is so important for us to vaccinate as many members of staff as possible. We need to protect staff, patients and service users, and our families, especially those most at risk of serious complications, by reducing the spread of the virus in our hospitals and communities.”

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.

The vaccine is also available free of charge 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 very serious illness. It spreads easily and is much worse than a bad cold. It can affect everyone, but the risk is greater for young children, pregnant women, older people and those with existing health conditions.

“I had my jab today and it was so quick and easy to get myself protected from flu. It only takes a few moments and the more people who are vaccinated, the less likely flu is to spread. So don’t leave it too late – get ready for flu this winter.”

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

Contact:

Louise Wilson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740718