Southern DHB asking staff not to get the flu or give the flu

Southern DHB asking staff not to get the flu or give the flu

Southern DHB this week launched its staff flu campaign with the aim of increasing the uptake of its flu vaccination to staff to over 65%.

Last year, 54% of Southern DHB staff had the flu vaccination, which was offered free to all staff.

“Health care workers are at a higher risk of exposure to the influenza virus and the message we want to get across to our staff is that they should have the vaccination not only to protect themselves but to protect their colleagues, their families, and above all their vulnerable patients,” commented Southern DHB Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Leanne Samuel.

More information is being provided to staff this year including posters featuring staff stories of how the flu has affected them and the reasons why they should have the flu vaccination; a video featuring a staff member who had the flu; flu facts on the staff intranet and all staff have been sent a letter asking them to have the vaccine to protect themselves, their family and their patients by getting the flu vaccine.

“We’re also using promotional material from the National Influenza Specialist Group who manage the national annual influenza awareness campaign to help raise staff awareness about the benefits of the vaccine,” said Ms Samuel.

The DHB is providing clinics at various locations and times for staff to have their vaccination carried out by authorised vaccinators especially trained to prescribe and administer vaccinations. There will also be roving clinics for staff who can’t make the fixed clinics for reasons such as being on permanent night shifts.

“Our vaccination team will do their very best in making the flu vaccine accessible to all staff,” said Ms Samuel.

The influenza vaccine is free for New Zealanders at high risk of complications - pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and people of any age with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease (including serious asthma), kidney disease and most cancers.

Flu is a highly contagious infection that anyone can catch and for some, especially the elderly, vulnerable patients in hospital and for those in ‘at risk’ groups it can be very serious.

Although symptoms are similar to the common cold, they tend to be more severe and last for longer. Flu symptoms include a sudden high temperature, headache, general aches and pains, tiredness and a sore throat. They can make you feel so exhausted and unwell that you have to stay in bed and rest until you feel better.

For advice about influenza immunisation visit www.fightflu.co.nz or text FLU to 515

For free health advice, call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

ENDS

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