Southern DHB is encouraging its staff to #ImmuniseYourSelfie

Monday 4 April 2016

Southern DHB is encouraging its staff to #ImmuniseYourSelfie

With flu season nearly upon us Southern DHB is encouraging its staff to take up the offer of a free influenza vaccination once again this year to protect themselves, their patients and their families.

The DHB is also encouraging staff over the coming weeks to share their own flu selfies on the DHBs Facebook and Twitter pages. The social media hashtag #ImmuniseYourSelfie will be used to help reinforce the message of how important it is to be immunised.

“We’ve adopted the #ImmuniseYourSelfie hashtag which has been used successfully in the UK to improve the DHB’s vaccine uptake figures by maximising staff awareness of the flu vaccination and the importance of being vaccinated to protect themselves, their patients and their families,” said Southern DHB Medical Officer of Health, Dr Keith Reid.

The hashtag will be advertised on its staff intranet, on the TV screens in the foyer at Dunedin Hospital and at the staff immunisation clinics.

“Flu is a very serious illness and we want our staff to be protected so they don’t pass the virus to their families, colleagues or to vulnerable patients. Vaccinations really can save lives,” said Dr Reid.

“The good news is that 64% of our staff chose to be vaccinated last year, even though these vaccinations are entirely voluntary. We’re hoping to increase uptake to 75% this year.”

Dr Reid is also encouraging members of the public to get immunised and says that anyone can get flu however young and fit they are, but what most people don’t realise is how serious getting the flu can be – it isn’t just a bad cold, in an average ‘flu season around 400 people in New Zealand will die from influenza or its complications.”

“It’s not just about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting other people especially vulnerable people such as the elderly or those who have an ongoing medical condition who could get very sick if they caught the flu.”

“The flu can make an existing medical condition, such as asthma or diabetes, a lot worse. Even if you do not end up in hospital, the flu can keep you in bed for a week or more, preventing you from doing work, sport or just about anything that requires leaving the house,” said Dr Reid.

“You can protect yourself and the people around you by getting your annual influenza immunisation, just like over a million other kiwis do each year,” he said.

Vaccination is also recommended to all women at any stage of pregnancy, as Dr Reid explains. “We know that women who are pregnant are particularly vulnerable to the influenza virus and are as much as 13 times more likely to end up in hospital as a result of the flu.”

Employers are also being encouraged to support vaccinations for employees as it could help keep staff healthy, reduce the number of days people are off sick with the flu, and help prevent the spread of flu through the workplace. Offering free or subsidised vaccinations in the workplace is one way employers can support staff and look after their business.

The flu vaccination is free if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Are over 65.
•
• Are under 65 but suffer from a medical condition such as asthma,
•
• breathing difficulties, diabetes, heart disease, most cancers.
•
• Are pregnant.

To get vaccinated, to find out more if you are eligible for a free vaccination, or for other information, talk to your family doctor or practice nurse. You can also find out more here: www.fightflu.co.nz

ENDS

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