Work in care? Help protect yourself and people you care for 

Sarah McClinton, Chief Social Worker for Adults, addresses those working in care about the importance of getting the flu vaccine.

Today, I want to talk to care workers directly about the free winter flu vaccination offer which starts on 1 October and why it's so important to get vaccinated to help protect yourself, your colleagues and the people you care for.  

This offer is available to people working in residential care, domiciliary care, and voluntarily managed hospices. It also includes eligible personal assistants employed through direct payments. 

It is important to get the vaccine each year, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu before. Protection from the vaccine fades over time, and flu viruses change each year.  

I know many of you get your flu vaccination every year, and I want to thank you for the steps you’ve taken to protect those around you. But if you didn't get it last year, here’s why you should consider getting it this winter.   

Flu kills thousands each year, but the vaccine saves thousands more 

Last year, there were thousands of deaths from flu in England, but vaccination prevented an estimated 7,000 deaths and 100,000 hospital admissions.   

The people we work with are particularly vulnerable to flu 

Up to 50% of confirmed flu infections do not have symptoms, meaning you can unknowingly pass the virus to people accessing care and colleagues. 

The flu vaccine will help protect others who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu, such as people living with long-term health conditions, babies and children, anyone who's pregnant and older people. 

The flu vaccine is safe and accessible 

The flu vaccine cannot give you flu. Common side effects, such as a mild fever or a sore arm, are usually short-lived. Vaccination reduces your risk of becoming seriously ill from flu. 

How to access the flu vaccine 

The adult flu vaccination programme starts from 1 October.  

If you cannot access the vaccine through your employer, you can get it through your GP, a participating community pharmacy or the general booking portal. 

You can find a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination online now. 

You can book, change or cancel a flu vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App now. 

This is about professional responsibility as much as personal protection. If you haven't already, please get your flu vaccination. Let's look after those we care for, our colleagues and ourselves.