Influenza vaccinations begin for Capital & Coast DHB staff

Influenza vaccinations begin for Capital & Coast DHB staff

Capital & Coast DHB are doing their bit to protect patients from influenza this winter, with immunisation clinics for staff to receive free vaccinations starting this week.

Director of nursing and midwifery Andrea McCance helped out at one of the clinics on Tuesday.

“As health workers we have a duty of care to protect our patients and one of the best ways we can do this is to get immunised ourselves.

“Influenza A H3N2 has been the dominant strain in the Northern Hemisphere in the last few months, and it’s likely it will come to New Zealand this winter. We know that this strain of influenza hits those aged over 65 the hardest.
“By being immunised we reduce the risk of spreading infection and make the hospital safer for both patients and staff.”

In addition to the clinics, 52 staff volunteered to become immunisation champions and offer vaccinations to their colleagues on the ward.

“So far the response to the campaign has been great with 342 staff immunised on the first day the clinics were opened, 100 more than last year.

“Our rates of immunisation have been increasing each year, and last year around 60 per cent of our staff had their influenza vaccination.”

The World Health Organisation recommend an influenza uptake of at least 80 per cent by healthcare workers to offer a 'ring fence' around those most vulnerable.

The effects of influenza are often underestimated. Each year around 400 New Zealanders die, directly or indirectly from the influenza.

“Vaccination is your best protection from influenza, and by getting immunised you protect not only yourself but your family and friends,” says Andrea.

Visit influenza.org.nz and see if you fit the criteria for a free vaccination, or talk to your GP to see what options are available to you.

ENDS

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